Breaking the Last Taboo: My Menstrual Health Journey, Innovation, and the Call for Coordination and Collaboration.

On the 27th of March 2017, as I marked my birthday, I founded Kaleko Steifree Solomons, an organization committed to addressing one of the most neglected aspects of women's health—menstrual health and hygiene. Two months later, on May 28th at Heritage Park Hotel in Honiara Solomon Islands, coinciding with Global Menstrual Health and Hygiene Day, we launched a line of products and services designed to revolutionize how menstrual health is viewed and managed in the Solomon Islands.

This initiative was not simply about the distribution of products, but about creating a sustainable, community-driven movement that would empower women and girls to reclaim control over their health and dignity.

However, the foundation for this work was laid long before 2017. In 2016, I participated in the Last Taboo research, which explored the realities of menstrual health in the Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, and Fiji. In particular, the research conducted in the Solomon Islands highlighted the glaring gaps in access to sanitary products, education, and infrastructure, while also revealing the deeply ingrained cultural taboos that surround menstruation. These findings catalyzed my commitment to addressing these issues directly through Kaleko Steifree Solomons, intending to tackle the deep-rooted challenges women and girls face in managing their menstrual health.

The Core Values of Menstrual Health and Our Approach

At the heart of Kaleko Steifree Solomons lies a strong commitment to three core values: dignity, equity, and empowerment. These values underpin every aspect of our work, from the products we distribute to the conversations we are fostering within our communities.?

Dignity:

Menstruation, for far too long, has been treated as a shameful or invisible subject. By openly addressing menstrual health, we aim to restore the dignity of women and girls who have long been silenced by societal taboos. The provision of quality menstrual health products and the creation of safe, supportive spaces for open discussions are key to this mission. In so doing, we not only ensure women have the tools they need to manage their health but also reaffirm their inherent worth and right to live free of shame or embarrassment.

Equity:

Menstrual health should not be a luxury; it is a basic need. Yet, in the Solomon Islands, as in many parts of the world, many women and girls face significant barriers to accessing menstrual products, education, and clean facilities. These barriers are often compounded by poverty, rural isolation, and the lack of culturally appropriate solutions. Kaleko Steifree Solomons strives to make menstrual products affordable and accessible to all, recognizing that menstrual health is not just a health issue but a socio-economic one. According to the World Bank (2016), lack of access to menstrual hygiene products is a significant contributor to school absenteeism, which in turn has long-term impacts on educational attainment and economic mobility.

Empowerment:

Empowerment through menstrual health means providing women and girls with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to manage their menstrual cycles without barriers. Our programs go beyond product distribution; they include educational workshops and community-based initiatives that equip individuals with the information they need to take charge of their health. Research has shown that when girls are given the tools to manage menstruation confidently, they are more likely to stay in school and perform better academically (Hennegan et al., 2019). By addressing menstrual health directly, we are not only improving individual lives but also contributing to the empowerment of entire communities.

Addressing the SDGs through Innovative Approaches

Kaleko Steifree Solomons is committed to addressing several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through our innovative work in menstrual health. Specifically, we are tackling the following SDGs:

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being: Menstrual health is an integral component of women’s health. By promoting access to safe, hygienic menstrual products, we reduce the risk of health complications, such as reproductive tract infections (Sathiya et al., 2017). Additionally, we offer education that empowers women to understand and manage their menstrual health, which improves overall well-being.

SDG 4: Quality Education: By tackling absenteeism due to menstruation, our programs contribute to improved educational outcomes for girls. According to UNICEF (2020), access to menstrual hygiene products and education increases school attendance and supports girls remaining in school throughout their adolescent years, ensuring better educational outcomes and future economic opportunities.

SDG 5: Gender Equality: Menstrual health is fundamentally linked to gender equality. When women and girls are provided with the resources to manage menstruation without stigma, they are empowered to participate fully in education, work, and society. By addressing menstrual health, we contribute to the broader goal of gender equality by enabling women and girls to assert their agency and claim their rights.

SDG 13: Climate Action: Menstrual health is not only about health and education; it intersects with climate change as well. Climate change exacerbates water and sanitation challenges, which directly affect menstrual health. In regions prone to natural disasters, the availability of clean water and safe sanitation facilities is often limited, making menstrual hygiene management more difficult. Kaleko Steifree Solomons is committed to developing sustainable, eco-friendly products that reduce environmental impact while also ensuring that women and girls have the resources, they need to maintain hygiene in times of crisis.

Addressing Real-Time Challenges: Policy Development and Coordination

While the work we do at Kaleko Steifree Solomons has had a significant impact on the ground, it is clear that broader coordination and collaboration are needed for sustainable, large-scale change. As we continue to develop innovative approaches to menstrual health, there are key areas where policy development and collaboration are crucial.

Policy Formulation: The lack of menstrual health policies in many countries, including the Solomon Islands, creates significant barriers to achieving long-term change. There is a pressing need for national policies that address menstrual health as a public health priority. Such policies should ensure that menstrual products are included in health and education budgets, with specific provisions for marginalized communities. Policies should also mandate menstrual health education in schools, integrating it into national curricula. Furthermore, policy frameworks should promote public-private partnerships to ensure equitable access to menstrual products and services.

Climate Change and Menstrual Health: The intersection between menstrual health and climate change is increasingly evident, particularly in areas prone to natural disasters or water scarcity. Governments must develop policies that integrate menstrual health into climate change adaptation strategies, ensuring that women and girls have access to menstrual hygiene products and clean sanitation during emergencies. A policy focus on menstrual health in disaster preparedness plans would help mitigate the disproportionate impact climate change has on women's and girls' health.

Cross-Sector Collaboration: Menstrual health is not a standalone issue; it intersects with multiple sectors, including health, education, sanitation, and gender equality. Therefore, a holistic, collaborative approach is essential. Government ministries, NGOs, local communities, and private enterprises must work together to create sustainable solutions that address the complex challenges of menstrual health. Coordinated efforts will lead to more effective programs, better resource allocation, and ultimately, greater impact.

Conclusion: Coordination and Collaboration

The work of Kaleko Steifree Solomons is part of a broader global movement to address menstrual health in a holistic, sustainable manner. Our innovative approaches are contributing to the achievement of several SDGs, empowering women and girls while tackling the real-time challenges they face. However, for this work to reach its full potential, it must be supported through coordination and collaboration at all levels—from local communities to government institutions and international organizations.

By developing policies that prioritize menstrual health, addressing the links between menstrual health and climate change, and fostering cross-sector collaboration, we can create a future where menstruation is no longer a taboo but a fundamental part of women’s health that is recognized and supported by all.

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