Chennai: Provision of free or affordable menstrual products for adolescent girls, the introduction of age-appropriate lessons on sexual and reproductive health and rights in the school curriculum, and a strong response to sexual harassment and violence are among the key demands placed by women’s rights organisations and NGOs ahead of state polls.Organisations say the demands can be included in poll manifestos by political parties for a safer and more informed society. The centre for women’s development and research (CWDR) released a charter of its demands. “Adolescent-Friendly Health Clinics (AFHCs) must be set up, providing privacy and confidentiality, and accessible mental health counselling for girls and young women. They should offer clear referral systems for violence, abuse, and psychosocial support,” the charter read.The change must happen at school level, said CWDR director Renuka. “Stigma starts with the teachers themselves. In several schools, students are taught plant and animal reproduction, but not human reproduction. The attitude must change.” she added.There is also a need for increased spending by parties towards women and children in state budgets, said Thozhamai, an NGO working towards women’s and child welfare. “At least 9% of GDP must be spent on women-centric schemes and 6% on children. The govt must take steps to protect adolescent girls from sexual abuse. The conviction rates of Pocso cases in TN are still lower,” said A Devaneyan, director of Thozhamai.
