Many challenges presented by the pollution of the Ganges disproportionately affect Indian women. Impoverished Indian women are the single group that work most closely with the river in their day to day activities, such as bathing, clothes washing, and small scale agriculture. The relative lack in effective sewage systems in parts of India makes these processes more difficult and dangerous, via sickness caused by fecal coliform, as well as cancer causing chemicals. As climate change and pollution damage Ma Ganga, resources collected and cultivated by women are becoming scarce. In these situations, women are often forced to sacrifice their own diet and health for their family. On top of this, Indian women must also reckon with sewage system issues embodied by a lack of functional and private toilets, which create additional safety and privacy challenges. In these areas, women are often forced to defecate and menstruate in the open. This leaves them open to anything from bullying and harassment (menstruation is often considered "dirty" and taboo to discuss, let alone view), to sexual assault. Because of this reality, women are forced to wait until after dark to relieve themselves, which is extremely uncomfortable. Many Indian women are even undergoing hysterectomies (a surgery to remove the womb, thereby preventing menstruation).

 

 Stigma and misunderstanding around menstruation is one of the key causes for discrimination against Indian women and girls. This experience is reported by Indian women across all socioeconomic levels, and it encompasses lacking menstrual education, low levels of access to menstrual products, and stigma around menstruation, even from family members. These three factors generally lead to a reduction in mobility and agency for Indian women after menarche.