28th May 2024 (11 Topics)
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Menstrual Hygiene in Indian Prisons
Context
In 2023, India made significant progress by drafting the ‘National Menstrual Hygiene Policy,’ recognizing menstruation as a natural process that requires serious attention. The policy identifies prisoners as a key group with limited access to menstrual hygiene facilities, marking a positive step. However, it lacks a concrete action plan to improve menstrual hygiene management in prisons and fails to involve the Ministry of Home Affairs, a crucial stakeholder in prison management.
Need to ensure menstrual hygiene in prisons
Ensuring menstrual hygiene in prisons is not just a matter of public health; it is also a societal issue reflecting on the broader aspects of equity, dignity, and human rights.
- Gender Equality and Human Rights: Access to menstrual hygiene is a fundamental human right. Denying this access in prisons perpetuates gender inequality and violates the dignity of incarcerated women.
- Health and Well-being: Poor menstrual hygiene can lead to various health issues, including infections and mental health problems. By ensuring proper menstrual hygiene in prisons, the government can significantly improve the overall health and well-being of incarcerated women.
- Reducing Stigma: Addressing menstrual hygiene openly helps in reducing the stigma associated with menstruation. It promotes a more inclusive and understanding society where natural biological processes are recognized and respected.
- Fighting Period Poverty: Menstrual hygiene management in prisons is a critical aspect of the broader fight against period poverty.
Issues/Challenges
- The availability of sanitary napkins has been inconsistent across different prisons in the country.
- The quality of sanitary napkins has also been unsatisfactory.
- Many States have not implemented provisions (supplying adequate water and washroom facilities for female prisoners).
- Overcrowding and poor socio-economic conditions further exacerbate the struggle of incarcerated women to secure basic necessities (water, sanitary napkins, detergent, and soap).
Necessary Actions
- Adherence to Standards: The government must ensure basic menstrual hygiene standards for women in prisons. The uneven implementation of the Model Prison Manual 2016 across states needs immediate attention.
- Collaboration: Health authorities and prison administrators should work together to develop a comprehensive strategy to ensure access to adequate menstrual hygiene facilities.
- Research and Evidence: Conducting research to understand the current state of menstrual hygiene within prisons is essential for informed policy-making and implementation.
Fact Box: Women in Prisons
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