World Menstrual Hygiene Day was observed last month on May 28. It is observed every year to spread awareness about menstruation, provide hygienic practices to young girls, and eradicate the stigma regarding menstruation. The theme for World Menstrual Hygiene Day this year was ‘making menstruation a normal fact of life by 2030’.
The path to making menstruation a normal fact of life starts with addressing it as a health and human rights issue and not merely a hygiene issue. WHO has taken a welcoming move towards this path by the inclusion of Menstrual Health in the Human Rights Council agenda.
Why is menstruation not merely a hygiene issue?
WHO called out for recognizing menstruation as a health issue, not a hygiene issue. WHO stated that menstruation is a “heath issue with physical, psychological, and social dimensions”.
WHO, therefore, believes menstruation is a health issue. Women and young girls continue to suffer due to improper menstrual knowledge and poor access to menstrual products. The infrastructure with regards to clean toilets and sanitation is weak as well. The stigma and gender inequality in India further exacerbates this issue.
WHO further stated that it is important that everybody, in general, should have access to information and education about menstruation. There should be a proper water supply, sanitation, and disposal facilities. WHO also stressed the fact that empathic care should be given to women and young girls. An inclusive environment must be created where menstruation is not considered something to be ashamed of.
WHO concluded by stating that it is important that the above activities must be implemented and their performance should be measured. WHO is committed to encouraging health policymakers and program managers to make sure that menstruating women and girls meet their health needs. WHO is also committed to breaking the stigma associated with menstruation.(with input from WHO)