Menstrual Hygiene Day
Menstrual Hygiene Day is observed every year on May 28 to educate people about the significance of menstrual hygiene management.
This day advocates better access to education, sanitation, and menstrual supplies across the globe.
Initiated by the German-based NGO WASH United in 2013, the first official Menstrual Hygiene Day was celebrated in 2014.
Since then, it has become a global movement aimed at ensuring that menstruation is no longer a barrier to education, health, and dignity.
The Importance of May 28
The date for Menstrual Hygiene Day carries symbolic significance. May is the fifth month of the year, representing the average five-day menstrual period, and 28 represents the average length of a menstrual cycle. This date serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of addressing menstrual hygiene challenges worldwide.
History of Menstrual Hygiene Day
Public health organizations, activists, and the United Nations started actively speaking about menstrual health in 2012.
Their aim was to bring more attention to the significance of menstrual hygiene from all over the world.
This campaign was called “May #MENSTRAVAGANZA” to spread awareness about menstruation and hygiene.
A lot of groups joined in the campaign such as Ruby Cup, Girls' Globe,WASH Advocates and the positive response led them to create a day dedicated to menstrual hygiene.
The first ever Menstrual Hygiene Day or MHD was observed on May 28, 2014, with people organizing rallies, movie, exhibitions, screenings, speeches, and workshops, to raise awareness with 145 organizations participating in the movement.
In 2015, a creative social media campaign, #IfMenHadPeriods, was launched by WaterAid.
It used humor to challenge social taboos. The campaign featured funny “spoof ads” where men proudly talked about their “periods” and used “Manpons” instead of tampons.
The goal was to raise awareness about women who lack access to clean water, hygiene, and sanitation. It also encouraged men to support breaking the stigma around menstruation.
In Uganda, Menstrual Hygiene Day 2015 included a march to Parliament, where a charter on menstrual hygiene management (MHM) was signed. The event also featured performances by school students.
Since then, Menstrual Hygiene Day has continued to grow, with more people and organizations working to end period stigma and improve access to menstrual products and hygiene facilities worldwide.
Significance of Menstrual Hygiene
- Highlights the challenges women and girls face due to lack of menstrual hygiene products, clean water, and sanitation facilities.
- Encourages open conversations to challenge taboos and misinformation surrounding menstruation.
- Helps reduce school absenteeism by promoting access to menstrual hygiene products, allowing girls to continue their education without interruption.
- Pushes governments and organizations to improve menstrual health policies and provide better facilities.
- Ensures that menstruation is not a barrier to education, work, and opportunities, helping create a more equal society.
- Engages men, women, and communities in discussions to foster support and understanding about menstrual health.
- Spreads knowledge about proper menstrual hygiene practices to prevent infections and health issues.
Addressing the Challenges of Menstrual Hygiene
Challenges
- Many women and girls cannot afford sanitary products, forcing them to use unsafe alternatives like rags or newspapers.
- Lack of clean toilets and water in schools and public places makes managing menstruation difficult.
- Cultural taboos and stigma cause misinformation and shame around menstruation.
Advocacy Efforts
- Organizations and governments are working to provide free or affordable menstrual products.
- Efforts are being made to improve sanitation facilities in schools and public spaces.
- Open discussions are encouraged to break the stigma and normalize menstruation.
- Menstrual health education is being added to school curricula to promote awareness and hygiene.
How to observe Menstrual Hygiene Day
Menstrual Hygiene Day is a significant global movement that advocates for menstrual equity, and there are many ways to support the cause.
Start by educating yourself and the people around you about menstrual hygiene. You can attend awareness campaigns, workshops, and social media posts can help spread knowledge and challenge the stigma surrounding menstruation.
Supporting organizations that provide menstrual products and education, especially in underserved communities, is another impactful way to contribute.
You can also donate menstrual hygiene supplies to women's charities and organizations.
