Skip to main content

Menstrual Hygiene Day: Breaking Barriers for Period Equity

 

Every year on May 28, the world observes Menstrual Hygiene Day (MHD), a global movement to smash taboos, advocate for menstrual equity, and ensure access to safe hygiene products for all. Founded in 2014 by the German NGO WASH United, this day unites activists, policymakers, and communities under the shared mission: "Making menstruation a normal fact of life by 2030."

Why Menstrual Hygiene Matters

Despite being a natural biological process, menstruation remains shrouded in stigma, leading to:

  • Period poverty – 500 million lack access to menstrual products (WHO/UNICEF).

  • School dropouts – 1 in 10 girls in Africa misses school during their period (UNESCO).

  • Health risks – Using unsafe materials like rags or leaves due to lack of products.

  • Cultural shame – Myths (e.g., menstruating women are "impure") persist globally.

Theme for 2024: #PeriodFriendlyWorld

This year’s campaign focuses on:

  1. Education – Teaching boys and girls about periods to end stigma.

  2. Product Access – Affordable/free pads, tampons, and reusable options (cups, period underwear).

  3. Infrastructure – Clean toilets, water, and disposal systems in schools/workplaces.

How to Take Action

  1. Donate

    • Support NGOs like Days for Girls, Period.org, or local initiatives providing products.

  2. Educate

    • Share facts on social media with #MenstrualHygieneDay and #PeriodFriendlyWorld.

  3. Advocate

    • Push for policies eliminating "tampon taxes" or mandating free products in schools.

  4. Challenge Taboos

    • Host workshops to normalize conversations about periods in your community.

Global Progress & Challenges

  • Successes: Scotland (free period products nationwide), Kenya (abolished tampon tax).

  • Ongoing Battles: In rural India, 71% of girls are unaware of menstruation before their first period; in U.S. prisons, pads are often rationed.

Conclusion

Menstrual Hygiene Day isn’t just about pads—it’s about dignity, education, and gender equality. By fighting stigma and demanding action, we can ensure no one misses school, work, or suffers in silence because of their period.

This May 28, join the movement. Periods are normal—let’s start acting like it.

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Most visited

Only Reading Books Creates Successful Minds

  Introduction – My Story When I was in Class 4 or 5, I developed a simple habit—reading books. Not to score marks, not for exams, but out of pure curiosity. At home, I often watched my parents teaching junior students with patience and passion. Their dedication inspired me deeply. By the time I was in Class 6, I started teaching myself. My parents appreciated my teaching style, and that moment changed everything. I realised something powerful at a very young age: Reading builds understanding. Teaching deepens it. This simple habit shaped my identity. It helped me become a confident teacher, a motivational speaker for students of Classes 10 and 11, and a mentor whose students—from Class 1 to Class 10—scored up to 95%. My foundation was never rote memorisation; it was reading with purpose . The Changing Attitude Towards Reading Today, the culture of reading has weakened drastically. Many students depend entirely on: guidebooks summaries ready-made answers social medi...
Post a Comment
Read more

Deuteronomy 22:9–11: God’s Command and the Science Behind It

  The book of Deuteronomy contains many practical commandments given to the people of Israel—not just to guide their spiritual life, but also to protect their health, agriculture, community, and long-term well-being. Deuteronomy 22:9–11 presents three unique instructions: Verse 9: “Do not plant two kinds of seed in your vineyard.” Verse 10: “Do not plow with an ox and a donkey yoked together.” Verse 11: “Do not wear clothes of wool and linen woven together.” To a modern reader, these laws may seem unusual. But when we look deeper, we discover that God’s instructions were scientifically sound, environmentally wise, and socially protective —given thousands of years before science explained the reasons. Let’s break down each command. 1. “Do Not Plant Two Kinds of Seed in Your Vineyard” (Deuteronomy 22:9) Biblical Purpose God wanted Israel to practice purity , order , and discipline in their work. Mixed seeds produced confusion, disorder, and poor harvests. God’s command p...
Post a Comment
Read more

Redefining Beauty: Beyond Appearances

  Introduction In today’s fast-moving world, the word beauty has lost its depth. What was once a concept connected to values, emotions, and inner goodness is now mostly judged by outward appearance. As I observe the present generation, I realise that beauty is often misunderstood, redefined, and sometimes even misused. Through reflection and through the poem “Beauty” , it becomes clear that beauty carries a far deeper meaning—one that needs to be rediscovered and understood, especially by young minds. 1. Today’s Generation and the Changing Meaning of Beauty Today’s generation is growing up in an age of screens, comparisons, and instant validation. Beauty is often associated with physical features, fashion trends, and social approval. Likes and comments have replaced values and character. This narrow definition makes people forget that beauty is not something one shows , but something one lives . The poem gently reminds us that beauty is not limited to faces or appearan...
Post a Comment
Read more