The recent ruling by the Supreme Court of India recognises access to menstrual hygiene as part of fundamental rights, linking it to equality, dignity, privacy, and the right to education. The Court held that lack of sanitary products and proper school facilities forces many girls to miss classes, which amounts to structural discrimination under Article 14 and a violation of dignity under Article 21. It directed governments to provide free sanitary napkins, functional and private toilets, safe disposal systems, menstrual hygiene support spaces, and awareness through school curricula, making menstrual health a legal and educational priority rather than a welfare issue.
Click to View MoreIndia’s childcare workers, despite supporting 23 million children through 1.4 million Anganwadis, remain undervalued, poorly paid, and inadequately supported. With rising care needs due to migration, climate stress, and women’s workforce participation, India must professionalise its childcare workforce, expand infrastructure, increase investment to 1–1.5% of GDP, and strengthen ICDS and crèche schemes. Recognising childcare as a critical component of human development is essential for building an inclusive, gender-just nation.
Click to View MoreThe Supreme Court expressed serious concern over misuse of the POCSO Act to criminalise consensual adolescent relationships. It emphasized urgent legal awareness, especially among young men, and considered adding gender equality and legal literacy to school curricula to balance child protection with adolescent autonomy.
Click to View MoreClimate change acts as a threat multiplier, worsening gender-based violence by deepening poverty, displacement, and resource stress. Women face higher risks of domestic abuse, exploitation, and child marriage during climate crises. Integrating gender justice and empowering women in climate action are vital for safety and sustainable development.
Click to View MoreThe 2025 FAO report reveals a decline in over 60% of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) indicators for food and agriculture since 2015. Food insecurity affects 2.3 billion people, with women's dietary diversity decreasing. The report emphasizes the need for global intervention to prevent a crisis.
Click to View MoreThe UN Gender Snapshot 2025 warns of stalled equality, risking 351 million women in poverty by 2030. As Beijing+30 approaches, India must confront climate, conflict, and AI challenges while seizing opportunities to advance education, health, employment, and representation goals.
Click to View MoreThe Supreme Court’s refusal to extend the POSH Act to women political workers exposes a protection gap leaving them vulnerable, undermining gender equality, participation; addressing it requires legislative amendments, Election Commission mandates and party reforms to ensure safe, political spaces.
Click to View MoreWomen's property rights are legally protected, including equal inheritance for daughters through the Hindu Succession Act, 2005. However, patriarchal norms, low legal awareness, procedural complexities, and family pressure hinder effective implementation. A multi-pronged approach of legal harmonization, administrative reform, and social campaigns is needed to bridge this gap.
Click to View MoreThe severe gender imbalance in judiciary, undermines its constitutional promise of equality and inclusivity. This gap, rooted in systemic patriarchy and an opaque collegium, is an ethical and constitutional failure. Bridging it requires transparent, mandated diversity policies to ensure a more representative and trusted judiciary.
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