"Together for a #PeriodFriendly World: Celebrating International Menstrual Hygiene Day on May 28"

Every year on May 28th, the world comes together to celebrate International Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) Day. This day serves as a global platform to raise awareness about the importance of good menstrual hygiene and to break taboos surrounding menstruation.

The theme for this year, "Together for a #PeriodFriendly World," emphasizes the need for collective action to ensure that menstruation is not a barrier to health, dignity, and opportunity for women and girls worldwide.

Every year, Menstrual Hygiene Day is observed on May 28 because a menstrual cycle is of 28 days on average, and a person usually menstruates for five days – hence 28th day of the fifth month of the year is chosen as Menstrual Hygiene Day.

What is Menstruation?

Menstruation is a natural biological process that occurs in females of reproductive age. It involves the shedding of the uterine lining, resulting in vaginal bleeding that typically lasts for three to seven days. Menstruation is a sign that a woman's body is functioning normally and is capable of pregnancy. However, due to cultural taboos and societal stigma, menstruation is often viewed negatively in many parts of the world, leading to discrimination and barriers to menstrual health and hygiene.

Menstrual Hygiene: Insights from NFHS 5

• Increase in Hygienic Menstrual Protection - As per NFHS 5,?there has been a significant improvement in the percentage of women?(aged 15-24 years)?who use a hygienic method of protection during their menstrual cycle,?rising from 58% in NFHS-4 to 78%.?Among these women,?64% use sanitary napkins, 50% use cloth, and 15% use locally prepared napkins.?
• Importance of Education for Girls - The NFHS 5 revealed that women who have received?12 or more years of schooling?are more than twice as likely to?use a hygienic method?compared to those with no schooling.?
• Rural- Urban Gap- In terms of location, 73% of rural women while?90% of urban women?use a hygienic method of menstrual protection respectively.?

Products for Menstrual Hygiene

1. Sanitary Pads: Disposable pads made of absorbent materials, such as cotton, designed to be worn inside underwear to absorb menstrual blood.
2. Tampons: Small, cylindrical products inserted into the vagina to absorb menstrual blood.
3. Menstrual Cups: Reusable silicone or rubber cups inserted into the vagina to collect menstrual blood.
4. Menstrual Panties: Underwear specially designed with absorbent layers to absorb menstrual flow.
5. Cloth Pads: Washable and reusable pads made of cloth that can be washed and reused multiple times.

Disposal

Proper disposal of menstrual products is essential for hygiene and environmental protection. Disposable pads, tampons, and liners should be wrapped in biodegradable materials and disposed of in designated sanitary bins, while menstrual cups and cloth pads should be thoroughly washed before reuse. Schools can enhance disposal methods by installing eco-friendly incinerators in girls' toilets, providing a discreet and effective way to manage menstrual waste.

Hygiene and Sanitation

Maintaining proper hygiene and sanitation during menstruation is crucial to prevent infections and promote overall health. It is essential to wash hands with soap and water before and after handling menstrual products. Changing pads or tampons regularly (every 4-6 hours) helps prevent bacterial growth and odor.

Breaking the Taboos

One of the critical objectives of International MHM Day is to challenge the taboos and stigma surrounding menstruation. In many cultures, menstruation is still considered a taboo topic, leading to shame, embarrassment, and discrimination against women and girls. By fostering open discussions and promoting education about menstrual health, this day aims to normalize menstruation and empower individuals to manage their periods with dignity and confidence.

Conclusion

International Menstrual Hygiene Day is a crucial opportunity to raise awareness, break taboos, and advocate for the rights and dignity of women and girls worldwide. By promoting access to menstrual products and facilities, empowering women and girls through education, and fostering collective action, we can work towards creating a #PeriodFriendly World where menstruation is no longer a source of shame or stigma but a natural and healthy part of life.