MENSTRURAL HYGIENE MANAGEMENT DAY 28th MAY
Every year on May 28 is observed as Menstrual hygiene Management day through out world .
The Theme for 2024 is # Period friendly world the aim is to spread awareness among communities regarding self hygiene & Manage periods according to standard protocols as use of material which can collect & absorb menstrual blood with the availability of Water & Soap and place where the women can change pad in Privacy when ever necessary and can dispose the used pads.
Why Menstrual Hygiene Matters
Menstrual hygiene is crucial for the health and dignity of women and girls. Yet, in many countries, including Pakistan, discussing menstruation is still considered taboo due to social norms, cultural issues, and gender inequity. This silence leads to misinformation and poor hygiene practices.
MENARCHE
The onset of the first menstrual
period, typically occurs between ages 10 and 16, with an average age of 12.4
years according to the WHO. If a girl experiences menarche before age 9 or
after age 15, it's essential for parents to consult a gynecologist.
The
Challenges
According to WASH, more than 300
million women and girls menstruate daily, yet 500 million lack access to the
necessary facilities. These include clean materials to absorb menstrual blood,
water, soap, privacy for changing pads, and proper disposal options.
In Pakistan, UNICEF reports that 44%
of girls have little to no knowledge about menstrual hygiene. Misinformation
and myths, such as avoiding baths or certain foods during periods, contribute
to what is known as period poverty.
Impact
of Period Poverty
- Lack of Knowledge: Nearly half of Pakistani
girls (49%) are unaware of menstruation before their first period.
- Economic Constraints: Two-thirds of women cannot
afford quality sanitary pads, leading to the use of low-quality
alternatives that can cause infections and long-term health issues.
- Humanitarian Crises: In situations like floods,
earthquakes, and wars, menstrual hygiene needs are often neglected,
exacerbating the problem.
- Education and Work: Period poverty leads to
anxiety, irritability, and missed school or work days, affecting girls'
education and economic opportunities.
Solutions
and Advocacy
To combat these issues, it's crucial
to integrate menstrual hygiene into our societal norms. Here are some steps we
can take:
In Schools the girls should be provided information regarding Menarche & mensural so that they can be mentally prepared before the onset of their first periods & those who do not attend schools their mothers should be addresses through LHWs that they should talk with their daughters regarding periods .
- Government Initiatives: Provide free sanitary pads in
schools and workplaces, along with access to clean water and proper
facilities.
- Support for Eco-Friendly
Products:
Promote the use of biodegradable and reusable cloth pads, which are
cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
- Education and Sensitization: Educate men about
menstruation to reduce bullying and stigma in schools and workplaces.
A
Call to Action
Let's work together to create a period-friendly world. By addressing period poverty and breaking the taboos around menstruation, we can ensure that every girl and woman can manage her menstrual health with dignity. The girls should be encouraged to talk about their Issues related to Periods freely and give periods space in society.
Very informative mam and great blog
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