Hygiene Behind Bars: A Study On Sanitation Conditions Among Women Prisoners

Abstract

Women prisoners often face systemic neglect in custodial environments, especially concerning hygiene and menstrual health. This paper explores the hygiene conditions experienced by incarcerated women across different regions, analyzes the challenges they face, and assesses the institutional, legal, and infrastructural responses to their needs. The research draws upon primary and secondary data sources, including prison reports, international standards, and case studies. The paper concludes with recommendations for improving hygiene standards in women’s prisons through gender-sensitive policies, training, and infrastructure improvements. Indian prisons often fail to meet the basic hygiene needs of female inmates. A study by the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI) and Boondh revealed that 80% of menstruating women in prisons lack proper menstrual hygiene management.