Challenges to Inclusion in India — Latest Development

The recent study on menstrual health in Odisha, conducted by organisations including UNICEF, Aaina, WaterAid, All India Institute of Medical Sciences Bhubaneswar, and Indian Institute of Technology Bhubaneswar, highlights the persistent challenges faced by female students in the state. With nearly 74% of female students missing anywhere between one to eight days of classes per cycle due to menstruation, the issue of absenteeism from school during menstruation continues to be a major concern. The primary reasons for absenteeism identified in the study include pain and discomfort, lack of privacy, inadequate facilities, and persistent social stigma surrounding menstruation.

• ▸The study covered 177 respondents, including 121 schools and 56 public institutions from rural and urban areas in Odisha.
• ▸While 94% of the schools surveyed had separate toilets for girls, the lack of basic menstrual hygiene support systems and non-availability of water and soap were cited as major hurdles.
• ▸The study also found that around 56% of schools either lacked menstrual waste disposal facilities or relied on unsafe disposal methods, creating environmental and public health concerns.
• ▸The lack of healthcare support staff within schools is another area of concern, with only 27% of schools having a nurse or health worker, while 44% reported having first aid kits.

Understanding the Challenges

The challenges faced by female students in Odisha are not unique to the state and reflect a broader issue of menstrual hygiene management in India. The National Health Mission and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare have launched initiatives to improve menstrual hygiene, including the distribution of sanitary napkins and the construction of toilets in schools. However, the lack of awareness and social stigma surrounding menstruation continue to hinder the effectiveness of these initiatives. The Right to Education Act 2009 and the National Education Policy 2020 also emphasize the importance of providing a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students, including those who menstruate.

Addressing the Issue

To address the issue of menstrual health in India, it is essential to adopt a multi-faceted approach that includes improving access to menstrual hygiene products, providing education and awareness, and promoting social change. The Public Spaces Assessment Framework developed by the World Resources Institute (WRI) India can be used to audit public spaces, including schools, to identify areas for improvement. Additionally, initiatives such as the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and the Swasth Bharat Yojana can be leveraged to improve sanitation infrastructure and promote hygiene practices.

Way Forward

To improve menstrual health in India, it is crucial to prioritize the needs of female students and provide them with access to safe and inclusive sanitation facilities. This can be achieved through the implementation of policies such as the Menstrual Hygiene Management National Guidelines, which provide a framework for improving menstrual hygiene management in schools and public institutions. Furthermore, initiatives such as the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme can be leveraged to promote education and awareness about menstrual health and hygiene.

• ▸The National Commission for Women and the Ministry of Women and Child Development can play a crucial role in promoting menstrual health and hygiene by providing support and resources to female students.
• ▸The Indian Institute of Technology and other academic institutions can contribute to the development of innovative solutions for improving menstrual hygiene management, such as low-cost sanitary napkins and sustainable menstrual waste disposal systems.
• ▸The World Health Organization and other international organizations can provide technical assistance and support to India in improving menstrual health and hygiene.