'Lack Of Proper Menstrual Hygiene Hinders Girls' Education' : Plea In Supreme Court For Free Distribution Of Sanitary Pads In Schools

A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking directions to the Union of India and the States to provide free sanitary pads to girls studying from Class 6th to Class 12th and to provide a separate girls' toilet in all Government aided and residential schools.

The petitioner Jaya Thakur points out that females aged between 11 to  16 years coming from poor backgrounds often lack access to hygienic methods.

The petition drafted by Advocate Varun Thakur illustrates that steps are being taken by Government but states that they are not able to cover all the girls throughout the country.

"Menstruation makes the need for safe water, sanitation and hygiene, especially, important for women. In such conditions, access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene can be a matter of life and death. According to a report published by Water Aid, illnesses related to a lack of water, basic sanitation and hygiene were responsible for the deaths of almost 800,000 women around the world in a single year making it the fifth biggest killer of women behind heart disease, stroke, lower respiratory infections and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease", the plea stated emphasizing upon the need for proper sanitation during menstruation.

The petition also submits that lack of proper Menstrual Hygiene Management acts as a major barrier for girl child in getting education due to the stigmas associated with menstruation.

The petition further added that, "The difficulties faced by these young girls are compounded by the fact that there are several educational facilities and institutions without basic toilet facilities. It cannot be denied that separate and basic toilets are essential for ensuring the constitutional guarantees to these children.....the Prevalent myths about menstruation force millions of girls to drop out of school early or be ostracised for the duration of their menstrual cycle every month. They also affect the hiring of female workers, as it is felt that menstruation hampers their productivity capabilities. Unfortunately, it continues to be treated as a taboo in many societies, shrouded in a culture of silence and shame."

The petitioner has thus prayed to the court to issue directions to provide free sanitary pad to girl child studying from class 6th to class 12th and to provide separate girl toilet in all Government aided and residential schools along with a cleaner.

The plea further prayed the court to pass direction to the Centre and the States to provide three stage awareness programme: First, spreading awareness about menstrual health and unboxing the taboos that surround it, Second, providing adequate sanitation facilities and subsidised or free sanitary products to women and young students, especially in disadvantaged areas and, Third, to ensure an efficient and sanitary manner of menstrual waste disposal.

Jaya Thakur vs Union of India