Digital pathways to menstrual health education in India: Bridging urban-rural gaps through inclusive technologies

This narrative review examines how digital education, delivered through mobile learning, social media platforms, virtual reality, and school-based ICT systems, influences menstrual health literacy among adolescent girls in India and across South Asia. Although menstruation is a universal biological process, access to accurate information is shaped by intersecting inequalities related to geography, gender norms, digital access, and socioeconomic status. Drawing on more than 120 research studies and secondary datasets, including NFHS 5, UNICEF regional surveys, and ITU indicators, the review positions menstrual health within the broader frameworks of digital inclusion and ICT for development. The findings reveal five major patterns. First, digital access and infrastructure strongly determine whether girls can reach online menstrual health content. Second, digital learning tools, including videos, apps, and interactive modules, create stigma-free learning environments that strengthen premenarche preparedness. Third, digital exposure indicates knowledge and attitudes toward menstruation, while also supporting informed decision-making. Fourth, autonomy in menstrual management is influenced by digital literacy, privacy, and household norms. Finally, behavioural outcomes, such as hygienic product use and school attendance, remain unequal due to persistent digital divides, limited WASH facilities, and socio-cultural restrictions in rural regions. The review proposes a conceptual pathway linking digital inclusion to improved menstrual practices and reduced inequities. It highlights implications for policymakers, educators, NGOs, and digital health designers, emphasising the need for gender responsive digital infrastructure and strengthened school ICT systems. Integrating menstrual health into digital education strategies can support SDGs 3, 4, 5, and 10 and contribute to more equitable health and educational outcomes for adolescent girls.