India Supreme Court Elevates Menstrual Health to a Fundamental Right, Forcing System-Wide School and WASH Upgrades
India’s Supreme Court has declared menstrual health and hygiene a Fundamental Right under Article 21, directing states and educational institutions to expand access to sanitary products, gender-segregated toilets, disposal systems, and awareness programs. The ruling could strengthen girls’ education retention and women’s workforce participation, but faces execution, infrastructure, and social-norm implementation risks.