Status of Women’s Reproductive and Menstrual Health: A Socio-psychological Household Prognostication of Meena Tribal Community of Karauli, Rajasthan

Abstract

The present study hovers around the socio-cultural factors among the women of Meena tribe which pose a grave threat to their reproductive health and also takes into account subjects like menstrual hygiene. Reproductive health and hygiene have always remained stigmatic and dogmatic topics of discussion. The significance of the proverb ‘Prevention is better than cure’ is a saying whose importance cannot be overemphasised. Hygiene then is the foremost requirement for a healthy and good life. The key issues of reproductive rights include the basic right to decide the birth timing space between successive births (or what is known as the pregnancy gap), and also the right to decide the number of offspring in marital life. Some other basic reproductive rights are access to methods of family planning and access to hygienic conditions, health services, education and information. Due to gross misinformation, ignorance and deep-seated taboos, the subject of reproductive health has eluded people for long. The most noticeable detriments are maternal mortality and unhygienic menstrual conditions, thereby leading to women’s lower status not just socially but also mentally and physically. This study reveals how the socio-cultural position of tribal Meena women affects them and adds to the misery and risks faced by them with respect to their health, menstrual hygiene and their selection of health services. This is established by conducting on-field surveys and interviews. The research also derives its findings from various primary and secondary data along with necessary sample collections.