Feona prerana Editor The Media Times
The word “menstrual” contains “men,” yet women bear the physical, emotional, and financial burden of periods. In a country where half the population menstruates, the high cost and inaccessibility of sanitary pads highlight a deep inequality. Despite government initiatives like Suvidha pads under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), menstrual health remains a privilege for those who can afford it rather than a universal right.
Government schemes promise pads at ₹1, but their effectiveness is limited. Issues of availability, poor outreach, and low quality make these pads inadequate for many women. Access to government-run Janaushadhi Kendras is scarce in rural and semi-urban areas. Many women either don’t know about these pads or feel too ashamed to ask for them due to societal stigma. Middle-class women, students, and working professionals who struggle with the cost of menstrual products are often ignored because subsidies target only those below the poverty line.
Sanitary pads are essential, not luxuries. A single pack of branded pads costs over ₹100, and most women need at least 10 pads per cycle. For families with multiple menstruating women, these costs are overwhelming. The limited reach of subsidised products forces women to choose between overpriced branded pads or poor-quality alternatives that lack wings, leak protection, or odour control. This compromise impacts their health and dignity.
Menstrual stigma exacerbates these challenges. In rural areas, periods are still shrouded in shame, causing girls to miss school and women to skip work. Unsafe alternatives like cloth, paper, or ash lead to infections and long-term health risks. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s public acknowledgement of menstruation was a step forward, but real change requires action.
Subsidised pads should be available to all women, not just those categorised as BPL. Quality must improve to ensure dignity isn’t sacrificed for affordability. Universal access to high-quality products would normalise menstruation and empower women to demand their rights without shame.
This is not just about cost—it’s about equality. Women should not have to bear the rising expense of essential products while their incomes stagnate. To build a progressive nation, the government must expand access, improve quality, and raise awareness. Menstrual health is a fundamental right, and dignity should never be a privilege. It’s time to break the silence and ensure every woman can manage her period with dignity.
