MENSTRUAL RIGHTS AS INSTITUTIONAL ASSURANCE

THE Supreme Court judgement on the right to menstrual hygiene as an integral part of the constitutional right to life and dignity provides a long-desired direction towards destigmatising an essential bodily function and ensuring basic care.

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While observing that the lack of basic facilities and the stigma around menstruation directly affect girls’ health, education and privacy, the bench of Justices J B Pardiwala and R Mahadevan directed all states and Union territories to ensure within three months that every school has gender-segregated toilets, and biodegradable or reusable sanitary pads are provided for free to adolescent girls along with safe disposal facilities. The court also asked the governments to incorporate gender-responsive curriculums in schools and train the staff in assisting menstruating pupils.