Supreme Court recognizes menstrual health as a fundamental right, directing free sanitary pads in schools and hygiene corners to protect dignity and education
OdishaPlus Bureau
The Supreme Court’s acknowledgment of menstrual health as a fundamental right under Article 21 is a long-awaited recognition that dignity, health, and equality are interconnected. By instructing states to supply free, biodegradable sanitary pads in schools and to establish menstrual hygiene corners equipped with pads and innerwear, the court has brought menstrual health into the light, transforming it from a stigmatized issue into an enforceable right.
Menstruation has historically been regarded as a private inconvenience. The repercussions are severe: inadequate access to hygiene products, reliance on unsafe alternatives, infections, absenteeism, and dropouts among adolescent girls, especially in government schools. By positioning menstrual health as essential to the right to life and personal dignity, the court has shifted the narrative.
Focusing on schools is crucial. Adolescence is when menstrual stigma is most pronounced, and the lack of facilities can disrupt education. Hygiene corners institutionalize privacy and preparedness, while providing free access to sanitary napkins acknowledges that financial constraints should not hinder attendance. The emphasis on biodegradable products also connects public health with environmental stewardship.
However, the impact of the SC ruling will hinge on its implementation. Many states already have pad distribution programs, but their reach is inconsistent, and quality varies. Budget allocations, supply chain reliability, and monitoring systems will be key in determining whether the directive leads to meaningful change. Educating teachers, providing counsellor support, and integrating this topic into the curriculum are equally important to break down taboos and ensure that girls are not shamed for a natural biological process.
Menstrual health also encompasses more than just schools. Migrant workers, homeless women, and individuals in institutions and public spaces remain at risk. This ruling paves the way for a more comprehensive policy framework that addresses menstrual health across all stages of life. The challenge is to ensure that the commitment to this everyday reality for women is fulfilled with dignity.