New Delhi/Chennai- In a groundbreaking initiative, Dalit Safai Karmi women have embarked on an ambitious and crucial mission: leading the battle for menstrual justice in India.

These women, part of the sanitation workforce and hailing predominantly from Dalit communities, are among the most affected by the stigmatization of menstrual impurity—a notion that has perpetuated their exploitation and resulted in numerous fatalities over the years.

Over 50 influential figures within the menstrual justice sphere, representing a diverse array of backgrounds across India, united under the banner of the Safai Karmachari Andolan from April 11 to 13, 2024.

This landmark conference, held in New Delhi, served as the platform for Dalit Safaikarmachari feminist leaders and activists to spearhead the pivotal moment in the fight for menstrual equity and dignity.

These feminist leaders strongly believe that the self-proclaimed "god-men and women," along with other influencers and gatekeepers, who propagate false narratives to reinforce superstitions, stereotypes, myths, taboos, and oppressive practices, must be exposed.

The movement seeks to promote critical thinking and a scientific temperament to counter the stigma, discrimination, and taboos arising from misinformation and false narratives rooted in patriarchal notions of public morality.

Tamil Nadu Dalit Safai Karamchari Women at the Forefront

Crucially, the movement revolves around the leadership role of Dalit Safai Karamchari women, drawing upon their lived experiences of resistance against untouchability and discrimination.

Nagamma, a widow of a manual scavenger who lost her husband in a septic tank cleaning tragedy some 15 years ago, is leading the movement along with Deepthi Sukumar, a national core member of the SKA and Tamil Nadu state coordinator.

The Mooknayak spoke to Dalit rights activists and renowned author Shalin Maria Lawrence, who elaborated on the notion of impurity associated with menstruation in India, and how caste, class, and gender are intricately linked to it.

"It is the Dalits who are most closely affected by menstrual issues because they are the ones engaged in the city's cleaning processes. Most of them are sanitation workers who have to clean the sewers manually. One of the most common problems leading to septic tank blockages is the flushing of sanitary pads down the commodes, which chokes the system. Hundreds of people have been killed in various parts of the country due to manual scavenging while cleaning these tanks," Shalin says.

Additionally, just because a woman is bleeding—a completely natural process—she is outcast, deemed impure, and isolated.

Deepthi Sukumar sees this as an utter violation of human rights, as do other female members of the Safai Karamchari Andolan, who believe women have been enslaved for years due to this notion.

"The Menstrual Justice movement will highlight the multilayered intricacies involved in the issue. It is not just a matter of social and economic exclusion but a matter of human rights, especially for the Scheduled Castes men and women who are deeply affected because India has so far no policy for menstrual justice," Deepthi says.

The movement aims to create awareness about menstrual issues hindering education, nutritional rights, economic inclusion, and poverty, thus highlighting the multifaceted impacts it has on particular classes, castes, and genders.

This movement aims to amplify the voices of historically marginalized groups, ensuring their inclusion and agency.

The state is called upon to enact policies and allocate resources to uphold menstrual justice, with a focus on vulnerable communities.

Moreover, civil society pledges concerted action to challenge existing narratives and foster a transformative discourse on menstruation.

Guiding Questions and Declarations

During the conference, participants engaged deeply with three critical questions:

1. How can the movement embrace inclusivity?

2. What strategic priorities should guide the movement?

3. How can synergies be forged with other gender justice movements?

In response, a declaration was endorsed, shaped by the invaluable insights of Dalit Safaikarmachari feminists.

This declaration unequivocally condemns structures that perpetuate menstrual injustice, affirming the intrinsic link between menstrual justice and fundamental human rights.

Key Tenets of the Declaration

The declaration delineates several foundational principles:

• Intersectionality: Menstrual justice intersects with caste, gender, and sexual identity, impacting individuals across diverse spectra.

• Structural Inequities: Menstrual injustice is entrenched within socio-economic, political, and patriarchal systems, perpetuating discrimination and control over women's bodies.

• Inclusive Approach: The movement commits to a life-cycle approach inclusive of all menstruating individuals, irrespective of background.

• Constitutional Anchoring: Menstrual justice is firmly grounded in constitutional values, demanding non-discrimination and protection of fundamental rights.

• Scientific Narrative: The movement seeks to debunk myths and stigma surrounding menstruation, promoting a scientific understanding that normalizes this natural biological process.

Demands from the State: Ensuring Menstrual Justice and Constitutional Protection

The movement demands active engagement and accountability from the State in ensuring menstrual justice.

This entails comprehensive policy frameworks, legislative measures, and budgetary allocations aimed at addressing the specific needs of vulnerable groups.

From education and health to disaster management, labor rights, and workforce inclusion, the State must mainstream menstrual justice considerations across all policy spheres.

Moreover, the State must guarantee the protection of individuals who menstruate, safeguarding their constitutional rights to life and non-discrimination as outlined in Articles 14, 15 (1) and (2), 17, 21, and 23.

Only through robust state intervention and commitment can the movement's vision of equitable menstrual rights for all be realized.