On 28th of May every year, the world join hands in remembering and celebrating the Menstrual Hygiene Day which is also known as the ‘MH Day’. The organizations and women societal representatives usually raise awareness and combats taboos associated with menstrual hygiene with the goal of enabling women and girls to manage and achieve their full potential.
Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) help girls and women to manage their period healthy in positive ways so they fully participate in their work and school. The day offers an opportunity to actively advocate for the integration of menstrual hygiene management (MHM) into global, national and local policies and programmes.
To mark this day, Youth Decide Zimbabwe engaged the youth and responsible country networks to consider the importance of the Menstrual Health Day. Education about mensuration is not gender specific, men and boys play essential roles in MHM and combating gender equality and roles.
In developing countries, especially in Africa — girls’ and women’s choices of menstrual hygiene materials are often limited by the costs, availability and social norms. As the Youth Decide Zimbabwe, we propose that the adequate sanitation facilities and access to feminine hygiene products are one part of the solutions. The prioritization on provision of sanitary products is condition — not a choice.
Creating a culture that welcomes discussion and makes adequate education for women and girls is of equal importance. Researches has found that not having access to menstrual hygiene management products can keep girls and women home from school and work during their period each month; which is very sad and demands our attention.
We salute all ladies, the world must appreciate you today, other days and forever — during the pains and moods, you still carry the world on your shoulders.
Source: Youth Decide Zimbabwe
