World Menstrual Hygiene Day: Together for a Period-Friendly World
Introduction
Menstrual health and hygiene are critical aspects of the well-being and empowerment of women and girls globally. Despite progress in various areas, menstruation remains a subject of stigma and misunderstanding in many societies. The “Go Educate Them International Initiative” (GET Il) is committed to addressing these issues through education and support to young girls and women.
On World Menstrual Hygiene Day, May 28, 2024, GET Il organized an outreach program at Junior Secondary School Kabusa. This event aimed to promote a period-friendly world by donating 800 sanitary pads, providing mental support, and offering education on menstrual hygiene.
Event Overview
The outreach at Junior Secondary School Kabusa marked a significant step towards breaking the menstrual taboo and creating an environment that supports girls and women during their menstrual cycles. GET Il donated sanitary pads to the students and conducted educational sessions on various topics related to menstrual health. The key topics covered during the event included:
- How to Stand Together for a Period-Friendly World
- Emotional Intelligence
- Breaking the Menstrual Taboo: Creating a Period-Friendly World
- Taking Charge of Your Menstrual Health and Well-being through Personal Hygiene
- Physical Demonstration on How to Use the Sanitary Pad
How to Stand Together for a Period-Friendly World
One of the primary themes of the outreach was the importance of collective action in fostering a period-friendly world. The session emphasized that ending the stigma and shame associated with menstruation requires a unified effort from both men and women. Participants were encouraged to:
- Advocate for menstrual health education in schools and communities.
- Support policies that ensure access to menstrual hygiene products.
- Create safe and private spaces for girls to manage their periods in schools and workplaces.
By standing together, communities can ensure that no girl or woman is left behind due to menstruation-related challenges.
Emotional Intelligence
Understanding and managing emotions is crucial for dealing with the physical and emotional changes that come with menstruation. The session on emotional intelligence provided the girls with tools to:
- Recognize and articulate their feelings.
- Develop empathy towards others experiencing similar challenges.
- Manage stress and anxiety related to menstrual health.
Building emotional intelligence helps create a supportive environment where girls can talk about their menstrual experience without fear of judgment.
Breaking the Menstrual Taboo: Creating a Period-Friendly World
Menstrual taboos and myths are prevalent across many cultures, leading to misinformation and discrimination. This session aimed to dispel common myths and encourage open conversations about menstruation. Key points discussed included:
- Menstruation is a natural biological process and not a disease or a curse.
- Menstrual blood is not impure; it is part of the body’s natural cycle.
- Boys and men should be educated about menstruation to foster a supportive environment.
Breaking the menstrual taboo requires continuous education and open dialogue to normalize menstruation as a healthy and essential part of life.
Taking Charge of Your Menstrual Health and Well-being through Personal Hygiene
Personal hygiene is paramount to managing menstrual health effectively. This session provided practical tips on maintaining hygiene during menstruation, including:
- Changing sanitary pads every 4-6 hours to prevent infections.
- Washing hands before and after changing menstrual products.
- Using clean and dry underwear.
The session also highlighted the importance of a balanced diet and regular exercise in managing menstrual symptoms. By taking charge of their menstrual health, girls can ensure their well-being and participate fully in daily activities.
Physical Demonstration on How to Use the Sanitary Pad
A crucial part of the outreach was the hands-on demonstration of how to use sanitary pads. Many girls, especially those who are new to menstruation, may feel uncertain about how to use these products correctly. The demonstration included:
- How to unwrap and dispose of sanitary pads hygienically.
- Correct placement of the pad in underwear to prevent leaks.
- Importance of changing pads regularly to maintain hygiene.
The practical demonstration ensured that all participants felt confident in managing their menstrual hygiene.
Impact and Feedback
The outreach program had a profound impact on the students of Junior Secondary School Kabusa. The donation of sanitary pads ensured that the girls had the necessary resources to manage their periods with dignity. The educational sessions equipped them with knowledge and skills to take charge of their menstrual health.
Feedback from the participants was overwhelmingly positive. Many expressed relief at having a safe space to discuss their menstrual concerns and gain accurate information. Teachers and school administrators also appreciated the initiative, noting that such programs are crucial for the holistic development of their students.
Conclusion
The “Together for a Period-Friendly World” outreach by the Go Educate Them International Initiative on World Menstrual Hygiene Day was a resounding success. By addressing the practical, emotional, and educational aspects of menstrual health, GET Il made significant strides in breaking the menstrual taboo and promoting a supportive environment for girls and women.
Moving forward, it is essential to sustain these efforts through continuous education, advocacy, and support. Only by standing together can we create a world where menstruation is no longer a barrier to education, health, and empowerment for any girl or woman. The initiative at Junior Secondary School Kabusa serves as a model for other communities to follow, demonstrating the power of education and unity in creating a period-friendly world.