#13 A Bulletin to Remove Taboos Around Menstruation
?? Hello Civisens,
Great news! The Union Health Ministry has released the Draft National Menstrual Hygiene Policy, 2023. It's all about making periods a breeze for everyone who has them, minus the stigma and plus some cleanliness.
So, what’s the goal of this policy?
The plan is to make sure every girl, woman, and anyone who menstruates in India can easily get their hands on safe and dignified period products, making life better in health, education, and everything else.
Here's what they're aiming for:
?? Accessible Period Products: Ensure that everyone has access to affordable, safe, and quality period products and proper sanitation facilities.
?? Period Education: Educate everyone about periods, debunk myths, and eliminate stigma around menstruation.
?? Period-Friendly Environments: Create clean, private, and safe spaces for period management in homes, schools, workplaces, and public areas.
?? Innovation: Partner with entrepreneurs and businesses to enhance period products and accessibility.
?? Eco-Friendly Period Waste: Promote sustainable management of menstrual waste to keep our environment clean.
Leaving No One Behind:
This policy will be catering to the needs of all, from rural to urban areas, schools to workplaces, and even trans individuals, because everyone deserves a period-friendly world!
What about the strategy?
?? Affordable Availability:
This policy is all about making sure you can get affordable and accessible menstrual products. The Union government is thinking about subsidizing them for those who need it. Plus, they'll reach out to remote areas, set up supply chains, and use innovative approaches to get these products everywhere.
?? Quality Standards and Regulatory Framework:
The draft policy aims to set some really strict quality standards for menstrual products. This is to make sure they're safe and actually work. There will be rules to check and make sure companies follow these standards so you always know what you're getting.
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?? Clean and Dignified Menstrual Hygiene Facilities:
There are provisions which talk about building some places for you to take care of your periods. Clean, safe, and private – that's what they want. They're even planning to regularly check these places to make sure they're as menstrual-friendly as they should be.
?? Education and Awareness:
When implemented, the policy would focus on telling everyone the real deal about periods, breaking myths, and saying goodbye to the stigma. Schools and communities will teach you all about menstrual hygiene, and you can talk openly about it.
?? Foster Research and Innovation:
The future holds some exciting stuff in the world of menstrual hygiene. They're going beyond just the products, doing research about attitudes, practices, and newer, safer products. Innovations will be encouraged for sustainability, accessibility, and affordability.
?? Policy Integration:
It's all about bringing menstrual hygiene into existing programs. Health, education, sanitation, and gender equity – they'll put it all together. From workplaces to schools, they want to create spaces where you can feel your best, even during your period.
Just think about this:
Only 36% of women in India use safe period products, and a whopping 71% of girls have zero knowledge about menstruation before their first period. These stats tell us that there's a lot of work to be done to ensure safe and dignified menstrual hygiene.
That's why your feedback on this policy is so important. By sharing your thoughts on this draft, you're helping to shape a better future for everyone who menstruates in India. The deadline for feedback is October 30th, so don't miss your chance to make menstrual hygiene better for all.?
All Current Draft Laws and Policies Open for Public Feedback:
To share your feedback on any of the above draft laws and policies, click here.
More power to you,
Team Civis
Director at Sruti Disability Rights Centre
1 年We are being told that we can send comments to Draft Menstrual Policy till November. Can you inform if this is true? We are working from perspective of persons with disabilities.