Menstrual hygiene policy: Women in red

Source: This post on menstrual hygiene policy has been created based on the article Women in red, published in The Hindu on 10^th November 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2, Social Issues, government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

News: The Supreme Court of India has given the Central Government a four-week deadline to finalize a policy focused on the distribution of sanitary napkins. The article discusses the urgent need for a comprehensive menstrual hygiene policy in India.

About draft Menstrual Hygiene Policy, 2023

The policy aligns with India’s commitment to achieving the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

1. Goal 3 on good health and well-being,
2. Goal 4 on quality education,
3. Goal 5 on gender equality,
4. Goal 6 on clean water and sanitation

It adopts a life cycle approach, through the entire menstrual journey of the girls.

It prioritizes underserved and vulnerable populations, ensuring equitable access to menstrual hygiene resources.

What are the factors influence use of menstrual hygiene products?

There is a direct link between menstruation, school dropout rates, and the lack of access to sanitary products and facilities:

As per NFHS-5, 73% of rural women and 90% of urban women use hygienic menstrual protection methods.

1) Accessibility: Menstrual hygiene products are more accessible now. However, still in semi-urban and rural areas, affordability and access remain major challenges.

2) Education: The survey also states a strong correlation between education and the preference for hygienic methods. Women with 12 or more years of schooling are more likely to use them, compared to those with no schooling.

What measures should be adopted by menstrual hygiene policy?

Ensure access to affordable menstrual hygiene products, clean toilets, and water for all menstruating girls.

Policy should address the entire lifecycle of menstruation, including the health and its social consequences.

Question to practice

Discuss the significance of the Supreme Court’s directive to the Indian government to finalize a menstrual hygiene policy. Evaluate its potential impact on gender equality and social justice in India.