Menstrual Hygiene Day 2024
The world is aware that women of the global south are affected by many issues disproportionately, but this inequity becomes glaringly evident when speaking of menstrual hygiene. Menstruators living in areas that lack clean water and toilet facilities or with traditional cultures where biological functions are not openly discussed, are faced with risks to their health, education and dignity. While adequate sanitation facilities and accessible period products are important, equally important is the availability of forums for open discussion and education on sexual and reproductive health, including menstrual hygiene management. Increased awareness, support and infrastructure could mean that menstruators do not need to stay home from school or work once a month and can reach their full potential without indignity or stigma.
May 28 is Menstrual Hygiene Day, an annual day of awareness that highlights the importance of menstrual hygiene on a global level. Today is the day to shine a spotlight and destigmatize the period. Menstruation is frequently considered as a taboo topic; very few are unaware of its existence, but no one discusses it. Meanwhile, menstruators worldwide frequently endure in silence under challenging circumstances, whether due to poverty, availability of sanitary provisions or social norms. Even in the global north, the financial obstacles can create a situation of period poverty: in a Plan International survey conducted in Germany in 2021, 23% of respondents perceive the purchase of menstrual products as a financial burden and 29% of respondents stated that they at times avoid going out while on their period because public toilets are too poorly equipped or dirty.
There are many campaigns and initiatives around the world, using the Pink Box as their symbol, that seek to remove the shame and embarrassment that frequently surrounds discussions about menstruation. In Poland, for example, the Pink Box Foundation leaves pink boxes full of free sanitary products in public spaces for anyone to use if needed, as well as providing accessible menstrual education at schools and in communities. In another example, the Pink Box Initiative is a non-governmental organization registered in Tanzania whose mission is to empower menstruators by providing menstrual hygiene and sexual reproductive health education.
Meanwhile, in Canada, one in six (17%) Canadians who menstruate have personally experienced period poverty. The stigma also continues to exist, with one in four Canadians agreeing that periods are dirty and unclean, and approximately one in five agreeing that menstruation should not be publicly discussed (22%) and menstrual products should be kept out of sight (22%). And yet, there are organizations like the youth-led Bleed the North, which is intent on ending period poverty through education and by providing menstrual products to those in need all across Ontario.
For today, set aside the discomfort and unease to openly discuss a topic that affects so many individuals around the world. Consider the number of people who hide at home every month and miss important days at school or work. Think of the health and safety risks that are exacerbated due to silence. Talk about what we can do to alleviate the threat of period poverty and lack of menstrual hygiene management. Make a difference in someone's life by refusing to condone menstruation as a taboo topic any longer.
