New Delhi: Supreme Court on Monday issued notices to Central and state Governments on PIL seeking distribution of sanitary pads to girls studying in Government schools.
A petition was filed in the Supreme Court seeking directions to the Union of India and the States to provide free sanitary pads to girls studying in classes from 6 to 12. The petitioner Jaya Thakur had pointed out that females aged between 11 to 16 years coming from poor backgrounds often lack access to hygienic methods.
The petition drafted by Advocate Varun Thakur illustrated that steps are being taken by Government but states that they are not able to cover all the girls throughout the country.
“Menstruation makes the need for safe water, sanitation and hygiene, especially, important for women. In such conditions, access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene can be a matter of life and death. According to a report published by Water Aid, illnesses related to a lack of water, basic sanitation and hygiene were responsible for the deaths of almost 800,000 women around the world in a single year making it the fifth biggest killer of women behind heart disease, stroke, lower respiratory infections and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease”, the plea stated emphasizing upon the need for proper sanitation during menstruation.
The petition also submits that lack of proper Menstrual Hygiene Management acts as a major barrier for girl child in getting education due to the stigmas associated with menstruation. (Agencies)
Add Comment