Humid Weather And Importance Of Personal Hygiene Among Girls

The issue is more pronounced in underserved and remote regions where infrastructure is poor, education is limited and cultural taboos persist

In humid weather, personal hygiene becomes a critical aspect of overall health, especially for adolescent girls. Across India and beyond, many girls face unique challenges related to personal cleanliness, menstrual hygiene, and general well-being during humid weather. The issue is more pronounced in underserved and remote regions where infrastructure is poor, education is limited, and cultural taboos persist.

Humid weather creates a perfect environment for the growth of bacteria and fungi, which can cause various infections if proper hygiene is not maintained. Excessive sweating, damp clothes, and infrequent bathing increase the risk of skin problems, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and reproductive health issues. Girls, especially those going through puberty, are more vulnerable because their bodies are in a stage of transition, and they require clean, breathable clothing, frequent washing, and privacy.

Despite these needs, many girls lack access to essential hygiene facilities. In schools, the absence of clean toilets and water supply becomes a major obstacle to maintaining hygiene. This leads many girls to skip school during their menstrual periods, contributing to higher dropout rates. Furthermore, in families with limited awareness or resources, girls often resort to using unhygienic materials such as old cloth during menstruation, increasing their risk of infections.

One of the most pressing concerns is the lack of open communication. In many households, discussing topics like menstruation is considered taboo. As a result, young girls hesitate to ask questions or seek help when they face discomfort or health issues. This silence exacerbates the problem, leaving them to suffer in isolation.

In the hilly terrains of Peer Panchal, a region that lies in the shadow of the Pir Panjal mountain range in Jammu and Kashmir, the lives of tribal girls tell stories of resilience, silent suffering, and extraordinary strength. As I surveyed the number of villages in this area, the overwhelming realisation was that despite their hardworking nature and determination, these girls are deprived of basic health education, personal hygiene awareness, and access to essential healthcare services—especially during the difficult humid months. The climate here is harsh in many seasons, but the humidity brings with it a special kind of health threat, particularly to adolescent and young tribal girls. These girls, hailing from communities like Gujjars and Bakerwals, are often left behind in conversations about modern healthcare, sanitation, and education. In this, I put forth that the humid weather, paired with socio-cultural constraints and weak health infrastructure, makes personal hygiene a pressing concern that is consistently overlooked by policymakers and society at large.

The geographical and social context of Peer Panchal is as challenging as it is unique. The terrain is mountainous, the roads are mostly unpaved, and healthcare facilities are miles away—often unreachable without arduous journeys on foot or by animal transport. In this context, girls play dual roles—first as students, if lucky enough to attend school, and second as domestic labourers. From a young age, they collect water with the help of aluminium utensils on their heads, across rough pathways, gather firewood, tend livestock, and care for younger siblings. These physically demanding tasks, when compounded by poor nutrition, lack of sanitation, and minimal rest, severely affect their overall health. During the survey, I observed how personal hygiene becomes an afterthought for them—not out of negligence, but out of necessity and lack of access.

Humid weather increases the health risks manifold. The excessive sweating, coupled with unclean water, limited access to private sanitation facilities, and a lack of hygienic menstrual practices, create a breeding ground for infections. Almost every girl I spoke to had either experienced urinary tract infections (UTIs), symptoms of kidney stones, or abnormal vaginal discharges commonly associated with leukorrhea. These were not isolated cases; they painted a pattern—a disturbing one. It is well-known in the scientific and medical community that moist environments allow bacteria and fungi to thrive, and when compounded by the reuse of unclean menstrual cloths or lack of changing undergarments, infections become almost inevitable.

More disheartening was their complete lack of awareness regarding the causes of these infections. Many of the girls did not even know that what they were experiencing could be medically treated or prevented with better hygiene. There was a chilling silence around menstruation. When asked, the girls often giggled nervously or avoided eye contact. They shared that they had never discussed these matters with their mothers, especially in the rural hamlets and certainly not with their fathers or male guardians. The culture around menstruation is steeped in taboo and shame. In many households, menstruating girls are kept apart, forbidden from preparing meals and entering kitchens or attending school, and made to feel impure. This psychological burden adds another layer of trauma, forcing them to internalise their health concerns as normal suffering.

Such cultural taboos are not only emotionally harmful but are also directly responsible for the health deterioration of these young girls. They avoid asking for help when in pain, they do not seek medical attention when symptoms persist, and they continue using harmful practices during their menstruation. The stigma becomes a wall—thick, unmovable, and painful.

Compounding these issues is the almost complete absence of accessible, functional healthcare infrastructure in the region. Most villages in Peer Panchal do not have a single health sub-centre. Where facilities exist, they are often locked, understaffed, or lacking in basic amenities like clean water and electricity. The few functional centres are miles away, and the journey itself is enough to discourage even the most urgent cases. Pregnant women, elderly citizens, and sick children all suffer due to this systemic neglect—but adolescent girls bear a unique burden due to the specific needs of reproductive health. Most girls confided that they had never seen a female doctor in their lives. Even if they dared to seek help, the lack of female professionals kept them from opening up about their problems.

Some may argue that tribal traditions and local culture are resistant to change and that hygiene practices are deeply embedded in socio-cultural norms. However, this cannot be accepted as an excuse for prolonged suffering. Cultures evolve, and they must—especially when they stand in the way of health, dignity, and human rights. We have seen positive shifts in other tribal and rural regions through the persistent efforts of local NGOs, health workers, and government schemes. The same must be made possible in Peer Panchal. Girls here deserve to know about their bodies. They deserve the freedom to speak about their pain, and they deserve access to clean toilets, sanitary products, and healthcare.

The data collected during the survey makes a strong case for urgent intervention. The first and foremost need is for awareness. Awareness campaigns should be launched through schools, Anganwadi centres, and even local mosques and temples. These campaigns must be in local dialects, using audio-visual tools, and should directly involve tribal women as educators. Secondly, there must be a regular, subsidised supply of menstrual hygiene products in these areas. The government should link these with schools and local health outreach workers.

Thirdly, healthcare infrastructure must be upgraded. Mobile medical vans staffed with female doctors and paramedics must visit these villages at regular intervals. Every village should have at least one health sub-centre with basic diagnostic tools and medicines. Fourthly, the education system should integrate health and hygiene education into its curriculum. Teachers must be trained to talk about menstruation with sensitivity and clarity, ensuring that girls feel safe and understood.

There is also a crucial need to dismantle taboos. Local religious leaders, elders, and influential figures should be sensitised and encouraged to speak publicly about the importance of hygiene. Cultural practices should be reinterpreted in light of health, and girls must be given the space to talk, to question, and to learn without fear.

Lastly, from a human rights perspective, the condition of these girls is an affront to our collective conscience. Every child has the right to health, education, and dignity. By ignoring the hygiene needs of tribal girls in humid regions like Peer Panchal, we are perpetuating a system of gendered neglect. These are not just tribal issues or women’s issues; they are human issues. The government, civil society, and the community at large must take a stand to ensure that these girls are no longer left in the shadows.

In conclusion, the lives of tribal girls in Peer Panchal during humid weather stand as a testimony to neglect, but also as a call to action. Their resilience must be met with responsibility. Their silence must be answered with sensitivity. The humid weather may be a climatic condition, but the suffering it causes in the absence of hygiene is entirely preventable. We must act—not tomorrow, but today—so that the next generation of tribal girls can grow up not just strong in will, but also healthy in body and mind. Investing in their hygiene is investing in their future, and through them, the future of an inclusive and compassionate India.

To Maintain Personal Hygiene During Humid Weather, Several Steps Must Be Taken:

1. Daily Bathing and Drying: Girls should bathe daily with clean water and soap. It is important to dry the body thoroughly, especially in intimate areas, to prevent fungal infections.
2. Wear Breathable and Clean Clothing: Loose-fitting cotton clothes should be encouraged as they absorb sweat and allow the body to breathe. Undergarments must be changed daily.
3. Menstrual Hygiene Management: Girls should have access to clean and safe menstrual products. Reusable cloths must be washed with soap and dried in direct sunlight to kill germs.
4. Hydration and Balanced Diet: Drinking plenty of clean water helps flush toxins and maintain urinary health. A balanced diet strengthens the immune system.
5. Awareness of Symptoms: Girls should be taught to recognize signs of infection like itching, burning, or abnormal discharge and should be encouraged to seek timely medical help.
6. Access to Hygiene Kits: Schools and community centres can provide hygiene kits, including sanitary pads, soap, underwear, and health information booklets.
7. Improved Sanitation Infrastructure: Government and NGOs must work to ensure the availability of clean, functional toilets with running water in schools and public areas.
8. Parental and Community Engagement: Parents must be educated to create a supportive environment at home. Community leaders can play a key role in dispelling myths and encouraging open dialogue.

Farooq Ahmad Bakloo

[email protected]

Related