Opinion | Menstrual Health as Both a Welfare Concern and a Constitutional Right

Exploring how the Supreme Court’s directions on menstrual dignity with Article 21 and the fundamental right to education for girls

Menstrual health is a natural and essential part of girls’ and women’s lives, yet for decades it has remained neglected, misunderstood, and surrounded by silence. Even today, many girls hesitate to attend school during their periods. This hesitation is because the environment around them often fails to support their needs, rather than menstruation itself being a problem. Fear of unclean washrooms, lack of privacy, managing pain or stains, and the anxiety of embarrassment are realities that many girls silently face every month. These challenges may seem small, but their impact on education and confidence is deep and long-lasting.

For instance, in many schools, especially in rural areas, such facilities are lacking. Girls are concerned about where they will go if they need to change a pad, whether the washroom is clean, and how sanitary waste will be disposed of. For some, there is the fear of being stared at in school, while for others, there is the concern of how they will get through the day if they are uncomfortable or have very heavy flows. As a result, these girls end up staying at home during their periods, which in the long run contributes to learning gaps, poor academic performance, and in some cases, dropping out of school altogether.

This is why the recent decision of the Supreme Court of India regarding menstrual health in schools is a welcome and much-needed step. The Court directed all States and Union Territories to ensure free sanitary napkins and proper, separate toilet facilities for girls in all schools, including government, aided, and private institutions, in both urban and rural areas. This decision recognises a simple truth: menstruation should never become a barrier to education.

In my opinion, this decision reflects a deep understanding of the daily realities girls face. For far too long, menstruation has been something private for girls to sort out. However, once the facilities shortage results in girls having to skip school, this matter has suddenly turned into a public concern and an educational one at that. This, where menstrual health has been tackled at the institutional level, the Supreme Court has likewise acknowledged that girls deserve equal support to continue their education with dignity.

One of the most important aspects of this decision is its focus on dignity and self-respect. Managing menstruation without privacy can be humiliating and stressful. Girls should not be made to feel ashamed or uncomfortable because of a natural process. Clean washrooms, access to sanitary products, water supply, and proper disposal systems create an environment where girls feel safe and respected. When dignity is protected, confidence grows, and learning becomes easier.

The decision also highlights the connection between menstrual health and the right to education. Education is not just about attending school; it is about consistently attending, participating, and being able to learn comfortably. As girls regularly miss classes every month, their education suffers because of the lack of facilities. This inequality inevitably builds up over the years, boys’ education goes on uninterrupted, while girls fall behind due to biological realities outside their control.

In this respect, it finds support in Article 21 of the Indian Constitution- Right to Life and Personal Liberty; the Supreme Court has continuously widened the scope of Article 21 to include within its ambit the right to live with dignity, in good health and hygiene, and even education. Denying girls basic menstrual facilities to maintain dignity and good health is a direct infringement on the letter and spirit of Article 21. Therefore, menstrual health is both a welfare concern and a constitutional right.

Menstruation has also been a strong social taboo for generations. Many girls grow up with fear and silence around periods. They are often told not to talk about it, not to ask questions, and not to seek help. This silence increases confusion and anxiety, especially during school hours. Girls worry about stains, pain, and unwanted attention. Some are afraid of how they will return home or how others will react. These fears, when ignored, slowly push girls away from education.

The decision of the Supreme Court can also be seen as a way to break the silence surrounding the issue. If the schools are supported to openly provide the needed facilities to the girls, it can set an example, indicating to the girls as well as to the teachers and parents around the country that menstruation is a normal condition which must be treated with care rather than shame.

Another positive impact of this decision is on parents’ confidence. In many families, especially after puberty, parents hesitate to send their daughters to school due to concerns about safety and hygiene. When schools provide proper facilities, parents feel more secure about their daughters’ well-being. This support can play a crucial role in ensuring that girls continue their education without interruption.

The Supreme Court was also very specific in mentioning that this was applicable to every single school across the country, including private ones. It is imperative to note here that education is one field where both public and private sectors cannot ignore the health and hygiene requirements of children. The requirement here is to ensure that children are present and disciplined in their studies.

At the same time, it is important to understand that facilities alone are not enough. Both awareness and education are equally important. Young girls need to know how to deal with the onset of menstruation by having the right information on how to handle it with confidence. Teachers and school authorities must show empathy. Boys must be included in the awareness drive as well, as this will foster an increased level of understanding and acceptance when they have the right information. A conducive school culture can only be achieved when menstruation is recognized as normal in school.

The Court also encouraged the timely implementation of these measures, emphasising responsibility and accountability. This shows that the issue can no longer be postponed or ignored. Effective implementation will require coordination, monitoring, and commitment from governments, school authorities, and communities. If taken seriously, this initiative can bring real change to the daily lives of students.

I think that the Supreme Court has taken the right decision at the right time. This is not just about sanitary napkins or toilets, but it is all about equality, dignity, and opportunity. When we provide help to girls during their periods, they will definitely attend school regularly, perform well academically, and be confident about themselves.

A society’s progress can be measured by how it treats its most vulnerable members. Ensuring safe, hygienic, and respectful school environments for girls is not a favour, it is a responsibility. This decision, when properly implemented, can be transformed into a better society where no girl’s education is affected because of period in school.

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