Let’s talk about Menstrual Hygiene!: MH Day 2021
Menstruation, which is a common biological matter for every woman on this planet, should be something very easy to talk about. However, it is still an awkward topic for many, even for women themselves. Even though it is an extremely important area of a women’s reproductive health, well-being, and the offspring in the future, there are still many women who are not aware of maintaining proper hygiene and in many cases they do not have access to hygiene products they need.
To analyze the Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) interventions in Bangladesh, Share-Net Bangladesh conducted a research study with a mixed method approach titled “Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) in Bangladesh: An analysis of the MHM interventions”. With active participation of members of the MHM platform in Bangladesh, there were a number of significant findings. The study has found that there are projects and interventions on MHM in 28 districts out of all 64 districts of Bangladesh. Around 17 organisations have ongoing activities with a total of 51 interventions/projects. 51% of these currently ongoing interventions focus on awareness raising and another 36% involved in MHM material supply.
Poor hygiene maintenance of menstrual health can lead to toxic shock syndrome, reproductive tract infections (RTI), and other vaginal diseases. Poor genital hygiene negatively affects adolescents’ health.
Moreover, when there is shame associated with menstruation in the social environment of a young woman, it becomes more difficult to talk about any disorder she might be having with her menstruation. Some considerable menstrual disorders could be Abnormal uterine bleeding, Absence of menstrual periods (amenorrhea), Menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea), Premature menopause (primary ovarian insufficiency), Premenstrual syndrome (PMS), Endometriosis etc. Some disorders that are related to the reproductive organs but not specifically to the menstrual cycle cause some of the same symptoms as menstrual disorders. These disorders include – Pelvic congestion syndrome and Polycystic ovary syndrome. (Suggested read: click here).
MHM and SDGs:
MHM is linked to several of the SDGs. Check out an infographic created with support by SIMAVI, PATH and WASH United here: MHM and SDGs.
Menstrual Hygiene Day 2021 (28th May 2021):
Menstrual hygiene is vital to the health, well-being, dignity and productivity of women and girls. This year’s slogan for Menstrual Hygiene Day is ‘It’s time for Action’. To end period stigma and period poverty by 2030 together, we cannot wait for the Covid-19 pandemic to end. We need to step up action and investment in menstrual health and hygiene (MHH) now!
Preparations for Menstrual Hygiene Day 2021 are running at full steam. For the 2021 campaign a team of 6 different artists from around the world have developed the biggest, boldest, and most diverse set of campaign materials ever. Check the following three out:
- The Menstruation Bracelet
- The ready-to-use campaign materials
- At a crossroads – the 2021 infographic
Check out the 2021 crowdsourced campaign video below on the occasion of Menstrual Hygiene Day!
#MHDay2021 #ItsTimeForAction
