What has been your -take
-part
-role
-mission?
in shifting the paradigm with life changing menstrual health supplies and
education
in your -society/community
-workplace
-church/mosque
-country and counting?
There is a widespread misconception that period
poverty is just lack of access to period products but realistically, period
poverty is more than that.
Most of menstruators go through period poverty due to lack of positive
menstrual education which can lead to health complications for girls.
In true sense, menstrual products should be
considered as a human right and not a luxury. Let a female not miss school or
work or be forced to use or overuse uncertain period products.
Period poverty is one aspect of poverty, but it’s
also a matter of public health, equality and dignity.
It is a social issue considered to be proving a barrier to quality education
for girls and it’s widening the gender gap in education.
Such scenarios also lead to girls dropping out of school and that means a
girl-child is more likely to be forced into child marriage as well as serious health risks where if
forced to use dirty rags may cause infections and mental distress.
The social stigma around menstruation such as the
idea that it is “dirty” or “disgusting” contributes to period poverty and perpetuates
other gender inequalities.
Many girls, women and other menstruators feel ashamed or a sense of
ostracization about it.
Menstruation is also considered a taboo in most societies. Many girls start
puberty without understanding what is happening to their bodies, causing shame
and do not attend school during their menstrual periods thereby impairing
academic performance. There is a socioeconomic effect around period poverty
where inadequate menstrual management may prevent people from attending school
or work and people may need to make difficult decisions between purchasing
period products or other essentials for themselves and their families.
On physical health; without access to the proper supplies, people may turn to
unhygienic methods of period management such as using rags, paper towels or
toilet paper. This increases the risk of urinary tract infections and skin
irritations.
Mental health is also an issue when it comes to period poverty; the associated
stress and mental/emotional toll of period poverty is associated with
increased anxiety and depression.
On the other, Menstrual periods should be something
that can be talked about freely and comfortably. Talking about period poverty
means that if someone is having problems with their menstrual periods it’s not
hard to talk about. It means that there will be more understanding of the costs
of menstrual period products and products will be readily available, more
education in schools will help everyone understand menstrual periods and the
troubles they can bring.
Period Poverty is a major global health issue
affecting millions of females worldwide.
You can simply help end Period Poverty by:
Ø Donating menstrual hygiene
products that support menstrual health.
Ø Advocating for policies
that promote menstrual hygiene management and access to proper sanitation
facilities.
Ø Educating ourselves and
others about the importance of menstrual health and hygiene.
Statistics has it that “7 of every 10
menstruating youth misses’ school during their menstrual cycle due to lack of
access to menstrual products and resources. And around 2.8 billion
people do not have access to safe sanitation services.”
in most parts of Africa, child marriage would decrease by more than 60% if all
girls had secondary education which is impeded by period poverty
Menstrual period is
powerful and natural and it’s necessary to shift the stigma.
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