The Supreme Court’s recent ruling acknowledging menstrual hygiene as a fundamental right is a significant milestone for women’s dignity and stigma-free education. The court emphasized that access to menstrual hygiene is crucial for a girl child’s right to life, dignity, health, and education. Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan highlighted the government’s responsibility under Article 21 to safeguard the menstrual health of girl children, ensuring free sanitary napkins, gender-segregated toilets, and menstrual health awareness in all schools nationwide.
Menstrual hygiene in schools has long been a pressing issue requiring proactive measures to prevent infections, promote equality, and eliminate stigma. By mandating these measures, the court aims to protect mental health, reduce absenteeism, and ensure that menstruation does not hinder a child’s future. The detailed judgment stressed the adverse health consequences of inadequate menstrual hygiene management, such as resorting to unhygienic alternatives like cloth or prolonged use of menstrual absorbents.
The Supreme Court’s directives include the provision of functional, gender-segregated toilets with water connectivity, hand-washing facilities, and infrastructure for children with disabilities in all schools. Moreover, states and union territories are instructed to offer oxo-biodegradable sanitary napkins free of cost in schools, preferably through vending machines within toilet premises. Dr. Ishwar Gilada emphasized the importance of timely implementation, integrating menstrual health into sexual health, and ensuring shared responsibility for menstrual hygiene, including safe disposal practices.
