BLEEDING IN THE SHADOWS: UNDERSTANDING PERIOD POVERTY AMONG MIGRANT WORKERS AMIDST REVERSE MIGRATION DURING COVID-19 LOCKDOWN.

Abstract

Migrant workers represent a significant segment of the susceptible demographic. The pandemic-induced lockdown has placed individuals in a state of uncertainty. In addition to experiencing unemployment and loss of income, these individuals faced a scarcity of resources necessary for sustenance in their new location. Consequently, the country had a significant migration event, characterized by the sight of individuals of all genders and ages making their way back to their respective places of origin by walk. The COVID-19 pandemic in India has presented significant issues, eliciting profound feelings of fear, worry, instability, and uncertainty among migrant workers. The issue of menstrual hygiene and sanitation has emerged as a significant worry among female migrant workers and their adolescent daughters as they return to their hometowns, either by foot or in overcrowded vehicles. Due to the absence of restroom facilities along highways and limited financial resources to afford sanitary napkins, individuals in this situation are classified as experiencing period poverty. Female migrants experienced significant levels of discrimination and social shame as a result of their menstruation. There is evidence to suggest that women and girls may be extending the duration of their menstrual product usage or resorting to unsanitary alternatives, such as ashes, mud, old cloth, or rugs. The Ministry of Women and Child Development officially declared on March 30, 2020 that sanitary napkins are classified as necessary items. Nevertheless, the lack of clear notifications has resulted in a state of misunderstanding, hence causing a disruption in the provision of essential sanitary supplies. Consequently, this has led to significant psychological anguish, which may potentially lead to the manifestation of post-traumatic stress disorder. The objective of this study is to investigate the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the menstrual periods of migrant women. This study investigates the correlation between stress induced by the COVID-19 pandemic and the menstrual cycle during the period of reverse migration. The research findings indicate that the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant rise in anxiety and stress levels, which in turn has had an impact on the menstrual cycle patterns of migratory women included in the study. The present study focuses on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on female migrant workers, specifically examining the issue of menstrual hygiene. The study also considers the phenomenon of reverse migration and its implications for these workers. Additionally, the concept of period poverty is explored in relation to this population. Lastly, the study investigates the potential occurrence of post-traumatic stress disorder among female migrant workers in the context of the pandemic.