Menstrual Hygiene Day

Menstruation is a natural bodily function that happens to half of the world’s population. However, due to social and cultural taboos, menstruation is often stigmatized, leading to inadequate menstrual hygiene practices. Menstrual Hygiene Day was created to raise awareness of the importance of menstrual hygiene management and to break the silence surrounding menstruation.

Menstrual Hygiene Day is observed annually on May 28th to promote good menstrual hygiene management for all women and girls. The day aims to create awareness of the importance of menstrual hygiene management and to end the stigma associated with menstruation. It was first initiated in 2014 by WASH United, a non-profit organization working in the area of water, sanitation, and hygiene, and was officially recognized by the United Nations in 2019.

The day is an opportunity to raise awareness of the challenges that women and girls face when managing their menstruation. It is estimated that globally, one in three women lacks access to basic sanitation facilities, and one in ten girls in Africa misses school during their menstrual cycle. In addition, women and girls often face social and cultural taboos surrounding menstruation, leading to shame and isolation.

Menstrual Hygiene Day aims to break down these barriers by promoting education and awareness. It encourages open conversations about menstruation and provides information on how to manage menstruation hygienically. It also highlights the importance of providing safe and accessible sanitation facilities for women and girls.

The theme of Menstrual Hygiene Day changes every year to focus on different aspects of menstrual hygiene management. In 2021, the theme was “Action and Investment in Menstrual Health and Hygiene” to highlight the need for increased investment in menstrual health and hygiene programs. The COVID-19 pandemic has also highlighted the need for increased investment in menstrual hygiene management as many women and girls have been unable to access sanitary products or sanitation facilities due to lockdowns and restrictions.

In conclusion, Menstrual Hygiene Day is an important day that raises awareness of the challenges faced by women and girls when managing their menstruation. By breaking the silence surrounding menstruation and promoting education and awareness, we can ensure that all women and girls have access to the information and resources they need to manage their menstruation hygienically. It is crucial that we invest in menstrual health and hygiene programs to ensure that women and girls are not left behind.