There are still parts of the world where millions of women have no access to proper sanitary pads and as a result, they use unhygienic substances during menstruation, instead of sanitary pads.

According to a 2011 survey by AC Nielsen, data shows, that only 12% of women across India use sanitary pads, and it seems far less than that in rural areas. What seems to be shocking is that not only old rags, but other substances such as sand, sawdust, leaves and even ash, are used.

Read more on: The Indian sanitary pad revolutionary – by Vibeke Venema on BBC World Service.