MENSTRUAL
HYGIENE POLICY – HEALTH (MAINS)
Q. The
formulation of an inclusive and comprehensive menstrual hygiene policy is
imperative to address the diverse needs of individuals across the entire
lifecycle of menstruation. Elucidate (15 marks, 250 words)
News:
Women in red: On an
optimum menstrual hygiene policy
What's
in the news?
●
The Supreme Court of India gave the Centre
four weeks to finalise an optimum menstrual hygiene policy with focus on the
distribution of sanitary napkins.
Key
takeaways:
●
The Chief Justice of India, D.Y.
Chandrachud further directed the government to set down a national model for
the number of girls toilets per female population across government-aided and
residential schools in the country.
●
Menstruation is the reality for women of a
particular age demographic, naturally involving a substantial percentage of
half the population in the country.
Menstrual
Hygiene is still a issue:
●
It is only now, over three quarters of a
century after Independence, that India has come closest to even drawing up a
menstrual hygiene policy. While advancements over the years, and expanding urbanisation, have brought
menstrual hygiene products within reach of a larger group of young women, affordability is still an issue; access
hurdles stand in the way of a wide swathe of women in semi-urban and rural
areas.
Menstrual
Hygiene and National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS):
●
As per the latest National Family Health
Survey-5 (NFHS), 73% of rural women and
90% of urban women use a hygienic method of menstrual protection.
●
There was a significant improvement in the
percentage of women aged 15-24 who use a hygienic method of protection during
their menstrual cycle, this rose from 58% in NFHS-4 to 78% in NFHS-5, primarily
sanitary napkins, cloth and locally prepared napkins.
●
The survey also revealed the close link between education and preference
for hygiene — women who have received 12 or more years of schooling are
more than twice as likely to use a hygienic method compared to those with no
schooling.
●
An irrefutable
link has been established between menstruation and dropping out of school,
because of stigma, and patchy or no access to sanitation (in terms of access to
products, toilets and water).
Rationale
for Menstrual Hygiene Policy:
●
Inadequate
menstrual hygiene practices can contribute to various health
issues, such as infections and discomfort.
●
As per the 5th National Family Health
Survey (2019-2021), 78% of women aged 15- 24 years use a hygienic method of
protection during menstruation, with variations in usage across different
demographics.
●
Certain
states still report below-average access to hygienic methods of
protection, emphasizing the need for targeted policies.
●
Access to adequate menstrual hygiene
products and facilities is not just a health concern but a matter of dignity and fundamental human rights.
○
A well-structured menstrual hygiene policy
can ensure that individuals manage menstruation with dignity, free from shame
or discomfort.
●
Menstruation often carries social stigma and discrimination,
perpetuating gender inequality.
●
Implementing a menstrual hygiene policy
becomes instrumental in challenging
these societal norms, fostering gender equality, and addressing
menstrual-related issues comprehensively.
●
A dedicated policy can actively work
towards promoting the widespread availability
and affordability of menstrual hygiene products, ensuring that no
individual is hindered by financial constraints from managing their menstrual
health.
●
Establishing a supportive work environment through the policy, encompassing
initiatives like flexible working hours, easy access to sanitary products, and
provisions for menstrual leave, can contribute to reduced absenteeism,
heightened productivity, and increased work participation rates.
●
A menstrual hygiene policy can facilitate
access to essential products and support, removing obstacles that might
otherwise impede girls from attending classes and pursuing education.
Draft
Comprehensive Menstrual Health Policy:
1.
Access to Menstrual Hygiene Products:
●
Ensure widespread availability and
affordability of menstrual hygiene products, including sanitary napkins,
tampons, and menstrual cups.
2.
Education and Awareness:
●
Implement educational programs to raise
awareness about menstrual health, hygiene practices, and debunk myths
surrounding menstruation.
3.
Healthcare Services:
●
Provide accessible healthcare services to
address menstrual health concerns and complications, including infections and
discomfort.
4.
Social Support:
●
Foster a supportive societal environment
that eliminates stigma and discrimination related to menstruation, promoting
dignity and well-being.
5.
Hygienic Infrastructure:
●
Establish hygienic infrastructure in
public spaces, including schools, workplaces, and public restrooms, to
facilitate proper menstrual hygiene management.
6.
Environmental Sustainability:
●
Promote eco-friendly menstrual products
and waste management practices to address environmental concerns associated
with disposable sanitary products.
7.
Employment Policies:
●
Introduce workplace policies that support
menstrual well-being, such as flexible working hours, access to sanitary
products, and provisions for menstrual leave.
8.
Inclusivity in Education:
●
Ensure that educational institutions are
equipped to support girls throughout their menstrual cycle, providing necessary
facilities and minimizing disruptions to attendance.
9.
Research and Data Collection:
●
Conduct research and gather data on
menstrual health to inform evidence-based policies and interventions.
10.
Period Poverty Alleviation:
●
Implement measures to alleviate period
poverty by addressing financial barriers to accessing menstrual hygiene
products.
The formulation of an
inclusive and comprehensive menstrual hygiene policy is imperative to address
the diverse needs of individuals across the entire lifecycle of menstruation.
This policy should not only focus on ensuring access to menstrual hygiene products
but should also encompass education, healthcare services, social support, and
environmental sustainability.