Bleeding Doesn't Make Us Impure! How Dalit Safai Karamchari Women Lead the Charge for Menstrual Justice in India

The Menstrual Justice movement, led by Dalit Safaikarmachari women, addressed the stigmatization and discrimination associated with menstruation in India. Nagamma, a widow of a manual scavenger, spearheaded the movement alongside Deepthi Sukumar. They highlighted the severe impact of menstrual taboos on Dalit women, who often worked as sanitation workers and faced untouchability and exploitation. In April 2024, over 50 influential figures gathered in New Delhi under the Safai Karmachari Andolan banner to discuss menstrual justice. They emphasized the need for critical thinking and scientific temperament to counter patriarchal superstitions. The movement called for comprehensive policy frameworks, legislative measures, and budgetary allocations to address the needs of vulnerable groups. It demanded state intervention to ensure menstrual justice, linking it to fundamental human rights. The declaration from the conference urged the state to protect individuals who menstruate, ensuring their constitutional rights to life and non-discrimination.