Menstrual Health and Hygiene: Challenges, Impact & Steps Toward Change

On the occasion of International Women's Day, it is crucial to shed light on a topic that has been shrouded in stigma and silence for far too long: menstrual health and hygiene. Although half of the world's population experiences menstruation naturally, many cultures and communities still see it as a taboo topic.

This silence perpetuates misinformation, shame, and inadequate access to menstrual products and education, ultimately affecting the health, dignity, and opportunities of millions of women and girls worldwide. This blog will explore the importance of menstrual health and hygiene, the challenges faced by women and girls, and how we can break the silence to create a more inclusive and equitable world.

Understanding Menstrual Health and Hygiene

The physical, mental, and social well-being of people throughout their menstrual cycle is referred to as menstrual health. It encompasses access to menstrual products, proper sanitation facilities, and education about menstruation. Menstrual hygiene focuses on the practices and products used to manage menstruation safely and comfortably. Together, menstrual health and hygiene are essential components of overall health and well-being.

Despite its importance, menstrual health is often overlooked in public health discussions and policies. This neglect has far-reaching consequences, particularly in low-income and marginalised communities where access to menstrual products and education is limited. Addressing menstrual health and hygiene is not just a matter of health; it is a matter of human rights, gender equality, and social justice.

The Challenges of Menstrual Health and Hygiene

Stigma and Shame

One of the most significant barriers to menstrual health is the pervasive stigma and shame surrounding menstruation. In many cultures, menstruation is considered dirty, impure, or something to be hidden. This stigma leads to silence and secrecy, preventing open discussions about menstruation and perpetuating myths and misconceptions.

For example, in some communities, menstruating individuals are excluded from religious practices, social events, or even their own homes. This exclusion reinforces the idea that menstruation is something to be ashamed of, further marginalising women and girls.

Lack of Access to Menstrual Products

Access to affordable and safe menstrual products remains a major challenge for many women and girls, particularly in low-income countries. In some regions, menstrual products are either unavailable or too expensive, forcing individuals to use unsafe alternatives such as rags, leaves, or even ashes. These makeshift solutions can lead to infections and other health complications.

Even in high-income countries, menstrual products are often considered luxury items and are subject to taxes, making them inaccessible to low-income individuals. This lack of access to menstrual products is often referred to as "period poverty," and it affects millions of women and girls worldwide.

Inadequate Sanitation Facilities

Proper sanitation facilities are essential for managing menstruation safely and with dignity. However, many schools, workplaces, and public spaces lack adequate toilets, clean water, and disposal facilities for menstrual products. This lack of infrastructure can lead to embarrassment, discomfort, and even absenteeism.

For example, in many schools, girls miss classes or drop out altogether because they do not have access to clean and private toilets. This not only affects their education but also perpetuates gender inequality by limiting their opportunities for personal and professional growth. 

Lack of Education and Awareness

Education about menstruation is often inadequate or nonexistent, particularly in low-income and conservative communities. Many girls experience their first period without any prior knowledge or understanding, leading to fear, confusion, and shame. This lack of education also extends to boys and men, who may hold misconceptions about menstruation and contribute to the stigma.

Comprehensive menstrual education is essential for breaking the silence and normalising menstruation. It empowers individuals to manage their periods safely and confidently and fosters a more inclusive and understanding society.

The Impact of Poor Menstrual Health and Hygiene

The consequences of poor menstrual health and hygiene are far-reaching and affect various aspects of life, including health, education, and economic opportunities.

Health Implications

Inadequate menstrual hygiene can cause various health problems, such as infections, urinary tract infections, and reproductive tract infections. The use of unsanitary materials and inadequate washing facilities increases the risk of these conditions, which can have long-term consequences for reproductive and overall health.

Educational Barriers

The lack of access to menstrual products and sanitation facilities often leads to school absenteeism among girls. Missing school during menstruation can result in falling behind in studies, lower academic performance, and even dropping out of school altogether. This educational disadvantage perpetuates gender inequality and limits future opportunities for women and girls.

Economic Disadvantages

Menstrual health also has economic implications. Women and girls who miss work or school due to menstruation-related issues may face reduced income and career opportunities. The expense of menstrual products can place a financial strain on low-income families, worsening existing economic inequalities.

Psychological and Social Impact

The stigma and shame associated with menstruation can have a profound psychological impact on women and girls. Feelings of embarrassment, low self-esteem, and anxiety are common among those who experience menstrual stigma. This mental strain can impact overall well-being and mental health, reducing individuals' ability to engage fully in social and community life. 

Breaking the Silence: Steps Toward Change

Addressing menstrual health and hygiene requires a multifaceted approach that involves education, policy changes, and community engagement. Here are some steps we can take to break the silence and create a more inclusive and equitable world:

Promote Menstrual Education

Comprehensive menstrual education is essential for breaking the silence and normalising menstruation. This education should be inclusive, reaching not only girls but also boys, men, and community leaders. Increasing our knowledge of menstruation can help dispel harmful taboos and cultivate a more inclusive, supportive environment for women and girls.

Improve Access to Menstrual Products

Efforts should be made to guarantee that menstrual products are affordable, widely accessible, and safe for everyone. This includes eliminating taxes on menstrual products, providing free or subsidised products in schools and public spaces, and supporting initiatives that distribute menstrual products to low-income communities.

Enhance Sanitation Facilities

Investing in proper sanitation facilities is crucial for managing menstruation safely and with dignity. Schools, workplaces, and public spaces should have clean, private, and well-maintained toilets with access to clean water and disposal facilities for menstrual products.

Challenge Cultural Norms and Stigma

Breaking the silence around menstruation requires challenging cultural norms and stigma. This can be accomplished through awareness campaigns, media coverage, and community discussions that foster positive attitudes toward menstruation. By normalising menstruation, we can reduce shame and create a more inclusive society.

Advocate for Policy Changes

Governments and policymakers play an important role in addressing menstrual health and hygiene. Advocacy efforts should focus on integrating menstrual health into public health policies, ensuring access to menstrual products and sanitation facilities, and promoting menstrual education in schools.

Support Grassroots Initiatives

Grassroots organisations and community-led initiatives are often at the forefront of addressing menstrual health and hygiene. Providing funding and resources and building partnerships can strengthen these initiatives and drive significant change within local communities.

Conclusion

Menstrual health and hygiene are fundamental to the well-being, dignity, and empowerment of women and girls. Yet, the silence and stigma surrounding menstruation continue to hinder progress in this critical area.

On this International Women's Day, let us commit to breaking the silence and raising awareness about menstrual health and hygiene. By promoting education, improving access to menstrual products and sanitation facilities, challenging cultural norms, and advocating for policy changes, we can create a world where menstruation is no longer a barrier to health, education, and opportunity.

Together, we can ensure that every woman and girl can manage her menstruation safely, confidently, and with dignity. Let us break the silence and take action to support menstrual health and hygiene for all.