NEW DELHI — In a powerful address to the Rajya Sabha on Friday, AAP MP Raghav Chadha criticized the deep-seated societal stigma surrounding menstruation, describing it as a significant barrier to health, education, and gender equality in India.
Chadha emphasized that menstruation is a biological reality that has been unfairly transformed into a “social taboo,” stating that a girl missing school due to a lack of pads or privacy is a failure of society, not the individual.
Key Highlights of the Speech:
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“Science to Silence”: Chadha highlighted the irony of sanitary pads being wrapped in newspapers while alcohol and cigarettes are sold openly, noting that society has turned a “matter of science into a matter of silence.”
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Dignity Over Charity: He argued that menstrual hygiene is a fundamental right and a matter of dignity, affecting over 35 crore women and girls across the country.
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Progress Benchmark: True progress for the nation, he stated, will only be achieved when every girl can attend school and speak about menstrual health without fear or shame.
Government Data & Initiatives:
The discussion also brought forward current progress and government measures to improve menstrual health:
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Rising Awareness: According to NFHS-5 data, the use of hygienic methods among women (aged 15-24) has increased to 77.3%, up from 57.6% in NFHS-4.
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Affordable Access: Under the PMBJP, over 16,000 Janaushadhi Kendras provide ‘Suvidha’ oxo-biodegradable sanitary napkins at just ₹1 per pad.
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Policy Focus: The Ministry of Health and Ministry of Women and Child Development are implementing schemes to provide gender-segregated toilets, safe disposal facilities, and educational awareness through programs like Mission Shakti.
Chadha’s appeal follows a growing legislative focus on making menstrual products tax-free and integrating menstrual health education into the national school curriculum.
