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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.

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