“TV talk-shows are about politics and economics, not about women’s health”

There are close to 70 million internet users in Bangladesh, the country has a space program and vast infrastructure investments. Still, millions of women have to use old rags as sanitary pads.

Interview with Rokeya Kabeer, Executive Director of Bangladesh Nari Progoti Shongha on the occasion of Menstrual Hygiene Day

Why it is important to mark Menstrual Hygiene day?

Menstrual hygiene is a basic need for girls and women. But our society has never recognised it.MH day is to bring awareness on these issues.

Why is menstrual hygiene neglected?

Women have a secondary position in the society. Menstruation is considered as a female issue, it is seen as a shameful thing which can eventually affect women’s reproductive health in the long run.

What is needed for menstrual hygiene management?

There are many things needed and many NGOs work on these issues. Still we have no separate toilets for women at many schools and workplaces, let alone in public places. It is also necessary to ensure low cost sanitary pads and running water in toilets.

Poor women cannot afford sanitary pads. What is the solution for them?

This is why we are talking about running water. Women who use old rags for menstrual management, need running water to wash the rags properly.

Many menstrual hygiene projects talk about sanitary pads, aren’t they promoting the business?

Yes, they are, but still I must say, it is positive.

How can sanitary pads be affordable for poor women?

With government subsidies and the producers’ corporate social responsibility programs.

What is needed to make effective progress in this sector?

It has to be a co-operation between the government and the NGOs. The government has to provide public services and take over some of the NGO projects and we, who are working with women issues, should not take our tasks as an office job but a  as a human responsibility. Only that mindset can make the real change.

What is the media’s role?

Media has a huge power but if you observe carefully, you will find that most of the TV talk shows are about economics and politics, not about women’s health. If they bring up women’s issues, they are mostly about violence against women, not about  women’s basic needs, such as  menstrual hygiene.

Is the situation improving?

It is improving, but not according to our expectations.

What is needed to improve the situation more effectively?

Collaboration with the government can help a lot. If we can make the government aware of the gender discrimination, the needs of women and girls, the situation can be improved. For instance, the government took some initiatives to prevent girls’ drop out from the school, and then they took some steps to improve the sanitation and toilet systems. Can you see the priorities?  Not to improve girls’ health, but to stop drop outs. We need to recognise the gender discrimination and create awareness at every level of the society.