MENSTRUAL HYGIENE IN INDIAN PRISONS

In recent years, India has witnessed significant progress in menstrual hygiene management, as highlighted by the fifth round of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS 2019-2020). The survey indicates that approximately eight out of 10 young women aged 15-24 years now use safe menstrual hygiene products. However, despite improvements in urban areas and certain demographics, the menstrual hygiene needs of one of the most marginalized populations of women in Indian prisons are often overlooked. In a society where prisoners are often deprived of fundamental rights, female prisoners face even greater challenges. Society's unrealistic expectations of female purity contribute to systemic neglect and oversight of their basic needs, including menstrual hygiene.

According to the National Crime Records Bureau, there are 23,772 women in Indian prisons, with 77% belonging to the reproductive age group (18-50 years) and likely to menstruate regularly. However, the availability of sanitary napkins in prisons has been inconsistent nationwide, with varying quality.

Lack of Adequate Facilities

Despite recommendations in the 2016 Model Prison Manual, many states have not implemented provisions for supplying adequate water and washroom facilities for female prisoners. Overcrowding and poor socio-economic conditions worsen the struggle of incarcerated women to access basic necessities like water, sanitary napkins, detergent, and soap during menstruation.

Study Findings in Maharashtra

A study conducted in a prison in Maharashtra in June 2023 revealed significant deficiencies in water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities for women. The inadequate water supply posed challenges for maintaining personal hygiene during menstruation. Women resorted to storing water, further straining limited toilet facilities.

Challenges Faced

Around 50 women had to share only two toilets for all their daily activities, including excreting, changing napkins, and washing clothes and utensils. Filthy washrooms discouraged frequent urination, leading to a higher incidence of urinary infections among female prisoners.

Dependency on Donated Sanitary Napkins

Prison authorities rely on sanitary napkins donated by non-governmental organizations, leaving decisions about the type, quality, and quantity of menstrual absorbents to these organizations. Often, substandard products are supplied, affecting the menstrual health and hygiene of incarcerated women.

India has implemented various policy interventions to improve access to menstrual hygiene products, particularly among young women. One such initiative is the Menstrual Hygiene Scheme, which includes the distribution of free or subsidized sanitary napkins.

National Menstrual Hygiene Policy

In 2023, India formulated the 'National Menstrual Hygiene Policy' to recognize menstruation as a natural process deserving meaningful attention. The policy emphasizes equity in the safe and dignified management of menstrual hygiene. It prioritizes ensuring equal opportunities for all menstruating individuals, regardless of their socioeconomic status or geographical location, to access and manage their menstruation safely and hygienically.

Inclusion of Prisoners

Remarkably, the policy identifies prisoners as a target population with compromised access to menstrual hygiene facilities, marking a positive step forward. However, it falls short of providing a concrete action plan to enhance menstrual hygiene management in prisons. Additionally, it overlooks the Ministry of Home Affairs as a critical stakeholder influencing menstrual hygiene management in prisons.

Need for a Concrete Action Plan

While recognizing prisoners' menstrual hygiene needs is commendable, there is a pressing need for the policy to outline specific measures to address these needs effectively. Concrete action plans should be developed to improve access to sanitary napkins, water, and sanitation facilities in prisons.

Involvement of Stakeholders

Incorporating the Ministry of Home Affairs as a key stakeholder is essential for implementing effective menstrual hygiene management in prisons. Collaborative efforts involving multiple stakeholders, including government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and prison authorities, are necessary to ensure the successful implementation of policies aimed at improving menstrual hygiene in prison settings.

Ensuring basic standards of menstrual hygiene for women in captivity is imperative, requiring concerted efforts from the Indian government.

Standardized Implementation of Model Prison Manual 2016

Uneven implementation of the Model Prison Manual 2016 across states necessitates urgent attention. The government should mandate every state to adhere to the recommendations outlined in the manual, ensuring uniformity in menstrual hygiene provisions across prison facilities.

Public Health Approach

Addressing menstruation challenges in prisons through a public health lens is crucial, especially in combating 'period poverty'. Collaboration between public health authorities and prison administrators is essential to develop a comprehensive strategy. This strategy should prioritize access to adequate menstrual hygiene products and facilities while safeguarding the health and dignity of incarcerated women.

Research and Data Collection

There is a dearth of empirical evidence regarding menstrual hygiene within prison walls. Urgent research is required to understand the current state of menstrual hygiene in prisons comprehensively. This research will provide valuable insights to inform policy decisions and interventions aimed at improving menstrual hygiene management in prison settings.

The Indian government can take significant strides towards ensuring the health, dignity, and rights of incarcerated women. Collaborative efforts between government agencies, public health authorities, prison administrators, and researchers are essential to address the unique challenges faced by women in prisons regarding menstrual hygiene.

Source: The Hindu