Chapter 5: Navigating Gender Sustainability, Menstrual Hygiene, and Women Empowerment in Contemporary Indian Society: A Study on Select Films

Gender sustainability is a multidimensional concept that emphasizes equitable access to resources, opportunities, and decision-making for all genders, ensuring their well-being in social, economic, and environmental contexts. In the Indian societal framework, gender disparities are often exacerbated by inadequate infrastructure, cultural taboos, and systemic neglect, particularly concerning women’s menstrual hygiene. This chapter analyzes two Indian films, Period. End of Sentence (2018) and Pad Man (2018), as cultural texts that foreground the intersection of gender equity and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Both the films address the stigma surrounding menstruation by advocating for accessible and affordable menstrual hygiene products. The films underscore the necessity of inclusive policies aligning SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by promoting women’s physical and mental health and SDG 5 (Gender Equality) by emphasizing the economic empowerment of women. The discussion highlights these films’ contributions in raising awareness and fostering changes in the realms of menstrual hygiene management (MHM) and women’s empowerment in rural India. By situating these narratives within the framework of the SDGs, this chapter underscores the key role of collective action in achieving a gender-sustainable future in Indian society.