THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Easy availability of menstrual hygiene products is all the more necessary since a woman’s personal hygiene is not only her concern but something that has a bearing on the health of the entire family, said Women’s Commission Chairperson M C Josephine.
Speaking to Express, Josephine said sanitary napkins are now being increasingly used by women across all age groups due to the increased awareness among them about the need to maintain personal hygiene.
However, the high cost of such products, especially after the implementation of Goods and Services Tax, makes it unaffordable for a large section of women, especially those from rural areas.
“Adequate facilities should be set up for easy availability of sanitary napkins and it should also be made affordable. Majority of the sanitary products are manufactured by big corporates and this makes them go virtually out of reach of ordinary women,” Josephine said.
In such a scenario, the government should examine the matter in all its seriousness and devise methods to ensure that an item of basic necessity is made available and affordable to women from all sections, she added.