Empowering Girls and Women: Ensuring Access to Menstrual Health and Hygiene
A blog by Alpha Juwayeyi, Young Expert at Girls Human Rights Hub
While the menstrual cycle is a normal and vital aspect of a woman's life, it is still a taboo subject in many cultures. It is essential for women and girls' empowerment and general well- being to have access to menstrual health and hygiene products and services, which is a fundamental human right. In this blog post, we'll examine the significance of guaranteeing that menstrual health and hygiene are accessible to all and talk about doable strategies to get there.
Breaking the Taboo
Half of the world's population experiences menstruation, which is a biological process, but it is still fraught with stigmas and false beliefs. The mental and physical health of women and girls may suffer greatly as a result of these taboos. We need to start having honest and open discussions about menstruation in order to end the stigma and silence surrounding it. We can lessen shame, promote understanding, and establish a supportive environment by promoting conversation.
Illustration: Emma Günther
Source: Hello Clue
Access to Menstrual Health Products
Women and girls must have access to menstrual health products that are both safe and reasonably priced. Sadly, many people have trouble getting these products, which can result in unsafe behaviors, health hazards, and lost opportunities. Particularly in underprivileged areas, governments, non-governmental organizations, and the commercial sector ought to collaborate to guarantee the accessibility of menstruation products such as tampons, sanitary pads, and menstrual cups. Distribution that is free or heavily subsidized can have a big impact on accessibility.
Addressing Hygiene and Sanitation
Having access to products for menstrual health is not the whole story. It is equally important to guarantee adequate facilities for hygiene and sanitation. Many women and girls do not have access to private, hygienic restrooms with management tools for menstrual hygiene. To ensure dignity and health, sufficient sanitation infrastructure must be invested in, including safe disposal methods for used goods.
Destigmatise Menstruation in the Workplace
Not only are workplaces and educational settings concerned with menstrual health and hygiene, but so is access to it. Policies that assist women in managing their menstrual health while at work should be put in place by employers. This entails giving them a private, cosy area to change into and discard menstruation products, as well as flexible breaks to meet their needs. Women shouldn't experience any discrimination at work because of their menstrual cycle when there is support for them.
In conclusion, it is a question of social justice and human rights to guarantee that all women and girls have access to menstrual health and hygiene services and products. We can make a world where menstruation is honoured rather than stigmatised by speaking out, educating people, facilitating product access, addressing sanitation needs, and pushing for legislative changes. In addition to improving girls' and women's health, this kind of empowerment advances gender equality and societal advancement. Menstrual health and hygiene should be given global priority, and we should all work together to improve the lives of women and girls everywhere.
Examples on Period Activism:
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