Women dismiss free sanitary pads as ‘election gimmick’
NEW DELHI: Indian women dismissed a pledge by politicians to give them free sanitary pads as an election gimmick, although it signals growing concern over the challenges around menstruation.
The promise – ahead of a vote in the southern state of Karnataka today – follows the release of Bollywood’s first film on menstrual hygiene in February and similar pledges by political parties in other recent local elections.
“They probably thought that like the movie, this is another agenda item that will be popular and will woo the common public,” Sulagana Chattopadhyay, a voter, said.
“Without clear plans on infrastructure and implementation, I’m sceptical and feel it’s an election gimmick. But even if 10% benefit, then that will be great.”
Indian women face many challenges when they have their periods, especially in rural areas where a lack of awareness and affordability mean many end up using unsanitised cloth or rags, and increase the risk of infections and disease.
The movie Padman – which depicts one of Hindi cinema’s most popular action heroes, Akshay Kumar, wearing a sanitary pad – has generated debate over the taboo subject in India.
The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has vowed to give free sanitary pads to students and the poor, and to fix the price at one rupee (8 sen) for all women if voted to power.
The Congress party – which governs the state – has promised free pads to students in government colleges and to scrap the current tax on them.