Context:

In the evolving landscape of menstrual hygiene management in India, strides have been made towards equitable access to menstrual hygiene products. The National Family Health Survey (NFHS 2019-2020) highlighted a positive trend, indicating that around eight out of 10 young women aged 15-24 are utilizing safe menstrual hygiene products. However, amidst this progress, the plight of a marginalized cohort remains overlooked – women incarcerated in Indian prisons. In a society where prisoners are often denied fundamental rights, the neglect of female prisoners' basic needs, including menstrual hygiene, persists. This disregard is compounded by societal biases and misconceptions regarding female purity, contributing to a systemic oversight of the needs of women behind bars.

Status of Menstrual Hygiene in Prisons:

The National Crime Records Bureau reports a substantial number of women in Indian prisons, with approximately 77% falling within the reproductive age group. Despite this demographic reality, the availability and quality of menstrual hygiene products in prisons have been inconsistent across the country. The 2016 Model Prison Manual outlines recommendations for adequate water and sanitation facilities for female prisoners, yet implementation varies widely among states. Overcrowding and poor socio-economic conditions exacerbate the struggle for incarcerated women to secure basic necessities during menstruation, including water, sanitary napkins, detergent, and soap.

A study conducted in a Maharashtra prison in June 2023 unveiled alarming deficiencies in water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities, particularly concerning menstrual hygiene management. Inadequate water supply forced women to resort to storing water, further burdening limited toilet facilities. With just two toilets shared among approximately 50 women, the challenges of maintaining personal hygiene during menstruation were exacerbated. Additionally, the unsanitary conditions deterred women from using facilities for frequent urination, increasing the risk of urinary infections. The reliance on donated sanitary napkins from non-governmental organizations often resulted in the provision of substandard products, highlighting the systemic gaps in addressing menstrual hygiene within prison settings.

Policy Interventions:

India has introduced various initiatives to enhance access to menstrual hygiene products, notably through the Menstrual Hygiene Scheme, which provides free or subsidized sanitary napkins to young women. In 2023, the formulation of the 'National Menstrual Hygiene Policy' marked a significant milestone, recognizing menstruation as a natural process deserving meaningful attention. Central to this policy is the principle of equity, aiming to ensure all menstruating individuals, irrespective of socio-economic status or geographical location, have equal opportunities to manage menstruation safely and hygienically. Notably, the policy identifies prisoners as a vulnerable population with compromised access to menstrual hygiene facilities, signaling a positive shift in acknowledging their needs.

However, while the policy represents progress, it lacks a comprehensive action plan to address menstrual hygiene management within prisons. Furthermore, it overlooks the crucial role of the Ministry of Home Affairs in influencing menstrual hygiene practices in prisons. To bridge this gap, concerted efforts are needed to ensure uniform implementation of the 2016 Model Prison Manual recommendations across all states. Collaboration between public health authorities and prison administrators is essential to develop a cohesive strategy that prioritizes the health and dignity of incarcerated women. Additionally, there is an urgent need for empirical research to understand the current status of menstrual hygiene within prison environments.

Call to Action and Conclusion:

Ensuring basic standards of menstrual hygiene for women in captivity is imperative, reflecting a commitment to human rights and dignity. The disparities in menstrual hygiene management across Indian prisons underscore the urgent need for systematic reforms and targeted interventions. By adhering to established guidelines and fostering collaboration between stakeholders, including government bodies and non-governmental organizations, meaningful progress can be achieved. Empirical research must underpin policy decisions, providing insights into the unique challenges faced by incarcerated women and guiding evidence-based interventions. As India continues its journey towards menstrual equity, addressing the needs of women in prisons must remain a priority, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity and social justice.

Source - The Hindu