MENSTRUAL HEALTH AND HYGIENE AMONG WOMEN POLICE CONSTABLES IN COIMBATORE DISTRICT

Abstract

A group of personnel that represent the government's civil power is called the police. The predominant responsibilities of police include upholding public safety and order, enforcing the law, and ceasing, identifying, and looking into illegal activity. Unfortunately, women were discouraged from entering the male-dominated field of police. When policewomen joined the force, the typical male officer and police chief thought they were a passing trend and a not justified foray into social work. However, this has evolved throughout the years. The law enforcement force currently includes women officers in practically every nation in the globe, including India. On the other hand, some historical conditions have led to the current state of women in law enforcement. All women's lives are significantly impacted by the natural phenomenon known as the menstrual cycle. Women struggle to maintain proper cleanliness and menstrual health while at work. Due to the demanding, 24/7 demands of law enforcement, particularly the police force, women are unable to maintain a regular menstrual cycle. Menstrual irregularities, excessive bleeding, and some serious conditions including fibroids and PCOS (POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME) may also be caused by this. This study's primary goal was to investigate the menstrual health and cleanliness of female police constables. Purposive random sample was used in the study, which included 120 female police constables from the Coimbatore area. Structured interview schedules are the instruments used to gather data. Ultimately, this research indicates that female law enforcement officers encounter several challenges when it comes to maintaining their health. Ultimately, this study concludes that women police officers face several challenges in maintaining their health and cleanliness, including a lack of station restroom infrastructure.