How One State is Transforming Menstrual Hygiene into a Fundamental Right

In a groundbreaking move, the Kerala Government has recognized menstrual hygiene as a fundamental right for girls and has taken a crucial step towards ensuring their well-being. The government has announced plans to install sanitary napkin vending machines in all government schools across the state, aiming to empower girls, shatter taboos, and promote better health. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan enthusiastically shared the news on Twitter, expressing the government's commitment to this significant initiative. "Reaffirming menstrual hygiene as a fundamental right for girls, the State Government has decided to install sanitary napkin vending machines in all schools across Kerala. This project aims to break taboos...and empower our girls to soar with confidence!" the CM tweeted. The focus on menstrual hygiene doesn't stop there. The Higher Education Department has also made strides by introducing menstrual leave for students in all state universities. This progressive decision was initially implemented by the Cochin University of Science and Technology and has since been embraced by other universities. Furthermore, Labour India Public School, a private institution in Kerala, has followed suit by granting menstrual leave for its students. The Kerala Government's comprehensive approach to menstrual hygiene underscores its commitment to the well-being and empowerment of girls. By tackling taboos head-on and providing essential resources, the government is paving the way for a more inclusive and healthier society. This progressive step sets an inspiring precedent for other regions to follow, emphasizing the importance of addressing menstrual hygiene as a fundamental right for all girls.

Shikoh Zaidi's Commendable Initiative To Break The Stigma Around Menstruation

In India, taboos are easily created around things that should be considered natural and menstruation is one of the biggest stigmas in our country. The mindsets might be altering but, there are still a large number of people who feel that a woman must not be allowed to enter the kitchen or so if she is on her period. And to break these stereotypes, 16-year-old Shikoh Zaidi is making people aware of menstrual hygiene. Shikoh belongs from Kuwarpur Baghel village in Hardoi, UP. While growing up she observed the women of her village being treated differently whenever they menstruated and that was enough for her to take a step ahead and work on it. Parental support can take you to any heights and Shikoh’s father was very supportive of her when he learned about why she wanted to generate the awareness. However, her mother was hesitant but she gave a nod later. Then came the time for convincing the villagers which was not easy at all. But she even surpassed this hurdle. While talking to Hindustan Times, she said: “There were different responses to my call. Many were shocked at what I was talking about while some offered deaf ears,” she said, adding, “Still I managed to convince several girls and women while my father arranged a projector to show three educational videos to them.” The villagers now abide with what Shikoh has to say regarding menstrual hygiene. And the women, as well as the girls of Kuwarpur Baghel village, don’t consider themselves impure anymore due to periods. The teenager directly went up to the village houses to talk about menstruation and it takes a lot for a girl of her age to do something like that. The taboo can be eradicated completely if more people come forward to discuss it because menstruation is a natural cycle.