INMUN 23

Country:
Delegation of The Republic of India

Committee:
United Nations Commission on the Status of
Women

Agenda:
Addressing Women’s Menstrual and Sexual
Rights: A call at the UNCSW.

House:
Martand

“The amazing power of being able to stand with

total courage in the face of total power and not be
afraid. That is stri shakti”
- Vandana Shiva
NAMASTE !
This committee expands on the idea that women's reproductive and sexual rights continue
to be crucial concerns that require attention on a global scale. The UN prioritizes these
issues and raises awareness about them despite the progress made in achieving gender
equality since women and young girls continue to endure discrimination and taboos
worldwide, which prevents them from developing.

The younger generation learns by our example how to think about equality, dignity, and
human rights. Initiate conversations on gender roles and challenge the accepted traits and
distinctions between men and women. Identify the stereotypes that kids frequently come
across in the media, public spaces, and educational settings, and reassure them that it's
acceptable to be unique. Encourage an accepting culture.

India proposes that the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) of the United Nations
(UN) undertake a discussion on the issues listed below: a fair distribution of feminine
hygiene products; restricted availability of reproductive healthcare; Women's and girls'
experiences with stigma and cultural hurdles; Why does understanding menstruation
matter? What steps can the international community take to stop the violation of the rights
of refugee women and provide them with legal protection?

Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971, India: Establishes the legal framework for
Registered Medical Practitioners to medically terminate pregnancies and covers related
issues. The Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Act of 2021 extends, under
certain conditions, the time period for accessing a safe and legal abortion from 20 to 24
weeks (of gestation). In the event of fetal anomalies, the cap of gestation period is removed.

States in India must guarantee a sufficient infrastructure for health care, particularly
reproductive health. Educating everyone about menstruation, especially adolescent girls
and women, and about their bodies, regardless of gender, is a priority for the public
healthcare workforce. Additionally, to guarantee that everyone has access to high-quality,
inclusive healthcare, particularly for females who suffer from physical and mental diseases.
We promise that the States in India will take all necessary steps to end discrimination
against women in the health care industry and to ensure equitable access to all health
services, including abortion services. The government is responsible for ensuring that
women receive the proper care during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.
These services must be provided without charge, and women must also receive adequate
nutrition during these times.

India urges to focus on the effects of armed conflict, notably the increased social
vulnerability that conflicts entail, on women and girls. Rape, forced marriage, forced
conception, indentured labor, sexual servitude, and the deliberate transmission of HIV/
AIDS are some of these risks. Women are taken advantage of in ways related to their
reproductive duties or gendered expectations of womanhood during times of armed war.

Only through ensuring widespread period equality and eradicating period poverty will the
rights of menstruation women in India, as well as those of women around the world, in
terms of sexual and reproductive health, and ultimately, the rights of everyone, will become
a reality.

Menstruation is still being stigmatized all around the world. Women and girls are even
excluded from their societies during their periods. Some girls do not know what is
happening to their bodies. Some girls become victims of child marriage since menstruation
is considered a signal of being ready for marriage and motherhood which can be
considered as harmful norms and practices. Some women and girls may miss school or
work because of a lack of menstrual hygiene materials. Unfortunately, these cases are likely
to be witnessed across the world, especially during humanitarian crises. Everyone who
experiences menstruation has the right to manage their menstruation with dignity, which is
a natural and healthy process. It is important to fully and sensitively assess the situation
and support them.
BIBLIOGRAPHY

• https://asiapaci c.unwomen.org/en/countries/india/cedaw

• https://asiapaci c.unwomen.org/en

• https://www.google.co.in/landing/genderdetermination/index.html

• https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/health/menstrual-hygiene-day-india-
challenges-taboo-period-equity/article66900205.ece
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