Menstruation Matters: To everyone, everywhere

Share-Net Bangladesh observed the yearly Menstrual Hygiene Management Day with guest speakers from Square Pharmaceuticals and the project Ritu, and a lively discussion with over 40 participants.

The theme of the internationally observed day in 2016 is ‘menstruation matters, to everyone, everywhere’. In Bangladesh the taboo on menstruation is a huge challenge. The normal and natural biological process is approached with hesitation and surrounded by myths and misinformation; the taboo makes it difficult for girls to access the correct information, proper services and, last but not least, facilities including sanitary napkins.

Share-Net Bangladesh focused two aspects of MHM: the accessibility of sanitary napkins and the sustainability of community interventions on MHM.

In low income countries like Bangladesh, girls’ choices of menstrual hygiene materials are often limited by the costs, availability and social norms. Square Pharmaceuticals has introduced a low cost sanitary napkin, Femina, in addition to the more up market sanitary napkin, Senora. “Square also provides training on sexual and reproductive health in garment factories” said Edward Prokash Bala, Head of Research of Square Pharmaceuticals.

In order to ensure sustainability of community interventions, the program Ritu has developed an inclusive approach: creating mass awareness, enhancing community ownership, engaging men and boys, disseminating information to develop knowledge, empowering women and developing women leadership.Mahbuba Kumkum, Program Manager of Ritu: “The link between information, services and product availability is very important to change practices on menstrual hygiene management.”

During the discussion, experiences were shared on how menstruation is not regarded a normal issue in Bangladesh: when buying sanitary napkins, girls get awkward stares, and not only in rural areas but also in the capital of the country.

Sanitary napkins are not the only solution to manage menstrual issues. While this discussion focused on hygiene and sustainability of interventions, one of the participants mentioned that many girls stay home from school and work because of discomfort and pain. “The pain during the period is comparable to the pain during labor. The contractions during menstruation are similar to those during the delivery of a child. We should also talk about pain relief.”