Collective Action Urged for Menstrual Dignity and Rights

At a state-level conclave, experts underscored the importance of inclusive policies to support menstrual health. They advocated for societal shifts to normalize open conversations around menstruation and called for practical improvements to sanitary access. The Odisha Menstrual Health and Hygiene Alliance led discussions on transforming menstrual health into a fundamental right.

During a recent conclave focused on menstrual health, experts emphasized the need for broader societal responsibility to ensure menstrual dignity. Babita Patra, chair of the Odisha State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, advocated for an environment where women can discuss menstrual health openly and confidently.

The event, organized by the Odisha Menstrual Health and Hygiene Alliance and UNICEF, focused on transforming menstrual health into a rights-based issue. Officials pointed out ongoing challenges related to safe water, clean bathrooms, and access to sanitary products across the country. Speakers, including Odisha's police leadership and representatives from UNICEF, highlighted the pressing need for enhanced facilities and stressed breaking the stigma surrounding menstruation requires collective action.

Prasanta Kumar Dash of UNICEF Odisha emphasized the role of community dialogue in normalizing menstruation. He cited Odisha's Khushi initiative as a step forward but noted it takes collective societal change to effectively combat longstanding taboos. Professor Shreepad Karmalkar from IIT Bhubaneswar discussed his institute's measures supporting menstrual health, such as menstrual leave and product recycling projects.

Dr Saumya Uma discussed legal evolutions supporting menstrual health as a constitutional right, highlighting a Supreme Court judgment in 2026 that reinforced menstrual hygiene management as part of substantive equality and autonomy rights. She pointed out the entrenched stigma attached to menstruation needs dismantling for actualizing women's constitutional rights.