QUETTA: The Forum for Dignity Initiatives (FDI) urged the Balochistan government on Sunday to adopt a comprehensive menstrual hygiene policy backed by dedicated annual budget funds to ensure basic hygiene facilities in schools, healthcare centres and public places across the province.
The demand was made during consultative sessions led by FDI Executive Director Uzma Yaqoob.
Ms Yaqoob said women’s menstrual hygiene remains one of the areas of public services that has long received inadequate attention, despite directly affecting a large segment of the population.
The absence of a comprehensive provincial policy and clear framework has resulted in the provision of basic facilities in schools, healthcare centres and public institutions being dependent on the individual capacity and priorities of relevant departments, she said.
As a result, some institutions have adequate facilities, while girls and women at other locations remain deprived of basic necessities.
“Establishing infrastructure alone is not enough,” Ms Yaqoob said, stressing that its maintenance and functioning must also be ensured.
Schools and public places should have secure and private washrooms, clean water, soap, proper waste disposal systems and designated spaces for rest when required, she said. “A girl’s education and school attendance should not depend on whether her school has a functional and safe washroom.”
Published in Dawn, September 28th, 2026
