The bloody advocacy
By Paula Mutheu
Do you remember the first time you had your period? Do you remember when you first wore a menstrual pad or the first time you soiled your clothes because the periods caught you unaware? A week ago, a nominated senator in Kenya, Gloria Orwoba , in a bid to advocate for menstrual equity was asked to leave the parliament building in Nairobi because she had a period stain on her white suit.?
This occurrence raises questions as to how comfortable enough we are to talk about menstrual periods without disfiguring our faces. Because after all, if we cannot stand the sight, how can we truly advocate for menstrual equity?
There are an estimated 1.8 billion menstruating women in the world every month, yet millions of them are unable to obtain menstrual equity. The idea of menstrual equity is centred on ensuring that every person has equal access to menstrual products, healthcare, and education. There are cultural and social stigmas associated with menstruation that can make it difficult for people to access and use menstrual products. For example, some cultures view menstruation as a taboo subject and may discourage open discussion or education about menstruation.
In that regard, menstrual equity seeks to ensure that all people have access to the services, knowledge, and products relevant to menstruation in addition to attempting to eliminate discrimination and stigma towards women who menstruate. This is essential for individuals who are socially or economically excluded or otherwise unable to access these resources.
MENSTRUATION IS NOT A TABOO!!!
At SDGs & Me, we are calling all young people to advocate for menstrual equity.
What are the measures we take to achieve menstrual equity globally?
This involves educating individuals about menstruation health in classrooms and other public places, as well as making sure they are aware of the resources that are available to them. Organizations such as the Day for Girls International which is a nonprofit organization that globally strives to educate women on menstrual health issues and find lasting solutions to these issues. It uses reusable menstruation kits and other lopping products to remove barriers that stop girls from attending school and participating in their communities.
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This includes raising awareness of menstruation-related issues, overcoming the stigma and shame attached to menstruation, and advocating for the rights of menstruating women. Menstrual equity for all and other organizations are working to make menstrual health a priority in society. In a recent case, Spain is now the first nation in Europe to choose to have women going for paid menstrual leave for 3 up to 5 days. This motion was approved by its parliament with 154 votes out of 185.
Accessibility to menstrual products continues to remain a challenge to many girls globally. A lot of them resort to using papers or sponges when on their periods. This is the difficulty that many people face in obtaining affordable and reliable menstrual products. This challenge is particularly acute for those who live in low-income or marginalized communities, who may not have easy access to grocery stores or pharmacies that carry these products, or who may not be able to afford the cost of purchasing them.
To address these challenges, several organizations and activists are working to increase awareness of the importance of menstrual hygiene, improve access to menstrual products in underserved communities, and reduce the stigma associated with menstruation. This includes initiatives such as providing free or low-cost menstrual products in schools and public restrooms, advocating for policy changes that make menstrual products more affordable and accessible, and promoting education and awareness around menstrual health and hygiene.
For example, in Kenya, we have organizations such as; Inua Dada Foundation Heart Africa, Plan International , and Kenya's works making pads initiative among others that have come up to support vulnerable girls by distributing sanitary pads free of charge and offering counselling and training sessions based on menstrual health.
We all must be advocates for menstrual equity.