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.
PROMOTE REUSEABLE CLOTH PADS
  • 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 . 


  1. Government Initiatives: Provide free sanitary pads in schools and workplaces, along with access to clean water and proper facilities.
  2. Support for Eco-Friendly Products: Promote the use of biodegradable and reusable cloth pads, which are cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
HELP BY SPREADING AWARENESS TO CHOOSE RIGHT PRODUCT


  1. 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.

 

 

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