Context(TH): The Centre’s Draft Menstrual Hygiene Policy was recently hosted online for comments from the public and experts.
Objectives of the Policy
To ensure that menstruating women and girls have access to safe, hygienic and quality menstrual products and sanitation facilities.
To create an enabling environment for people, including women, girls, men and boys, to have access to correct information on menstruation.
To address myths, stigma and gender issues around menstruation.
To coordinate with different Central Government Ministries, States/ UTs and relevant stakeholders and sectors.
To create a ‘menstrual-friendly environment’ in all settings, including homes, schools/ educational institutions, workplaces and public spaces.
To foster innovative practices with social entrepreneurs and the private sector.
To strengthen environmentally sustainable menstrual waste disposal.
Key Principles of the Policy
Access and Affordability: Improving access to safe menstrual hygiene products and to reduce the financial burden of menstruation on individuals and families, particularly for those in low-income communities and marginalized groups.
Equity: Prioritize equity to enable all menstruating individuals, regardless of their socioeconomic status and geographical location, to have equal opportunities to access and manage their menstruation in a safe and hygienic way.
Address disparities and barriers that prevent certain groups from accessing required menstrual hygiene products, resources and information.
Inclusivity: All women and adolescent girls, persons with disabilities, ethnic groups, minorities, trans and nonbinary populations, vulnerable populations and specially identified groups will be specifically focused on.
The policy also targets men and boys at the family and community level through awareness programs to strengthen men’s roles and build a conducive environment.
