The All India Democratic Women's Association (AIDWA) has welcomed the landmark judgment of the Supreme Court of India, which has rightfully recognised menstrual hygiene as a fundamental right under the Constitution. By linking menstrual health to the Right to Life, Dignity, and Education (Articles 14, 21, and 21A), the bench of Justice J.B. Pardiwala and Justice R. Mahadevan has addressed a long-standing systemic barrier that has historically forced girl students into absenteeism and becoming dropouts. The AIDWA has appreciated the Court's sensitivity in declaring that the "fault lies with the system" and not the girls, while mandating that all schools – government and private – must provide free sanitary napkins, separate functional toilets, and specialised health management kits.

The AIDWA has emphasised that this verdict is a victory against the social stigma and institutional neglect that have marginalised girl students for generations. The Court's call to sensitise male teachers and students is a crucial step toward transforming schools into empathetic spaces. However, the true success of this landmark ruling depends entirely on its rigorous implementation. The AIDWA has frequently observed that without strict oversight and financial backing, such progressive directives remain unfulfilled on the ground.

The AIDWA has therefore, demanded that

• The Central Government take immediate and concrete steps for the execution of this order.

• The Government must provide a dedicated budgetary allocation to ensure that schools, particularly in rural and economically backward regions, are equipped with the necessary infrastructure and a consistent supply of environmentally friendly napkins.

• A time-bound monitoring mechanism must be put in place to ensure compliance, including the provisions of toilets for girls and differently-abled students.

The AIDWA remains committed to ensuring that no girl is forced to choose between her dignity and her right to education.