By Purity Nthiana
Corrected Version
Menstrual Hygiene Day is celebrated every 28th of May, with this year’s theme being #PeriodFriendlyWorld. We are championing the end of the stigma associated with menstruation and advocating for a world where it can be discussed freely without any awkwardness or embarrassment. Over the years, many NGOs have come forward to support the end of this stigma and the provision of menstrual hygiene products, and we are pleased with the milestones we have accomplished. We are also urging fathers and men, in general, to be part of this movement.
When we speak of menstrual hygiene, we most likely think of sanitary pads, which is good. However, menstrual hygiene also means access to pads and water, as well as proper disposal of the same. One of the key objectives of Menstrual Hygiene Day is to raise awareness about the importance of menstrual hygiene management. It is essential to highlight the role of sanitation and proper disposal in ensuring women and girls can manage their periods safely and with dignity. Most of the time, we focus on providing the products and forget that if these products are disposed of inappropriately, it leads to hygiene issues.
Provision of clean water is a major issue, especially in communities that use reusable pads, where hygiene becomes a significant challenge. Access to clean water is fundamental for practicing good menstrual hygiene. Clean water ensures that women can effectively manage their menstrual cycles without the risk of infections or other complications. The reusable sanitary towels have been a great innovation toward providing sanitary products. However, they come with many questions and concerns: How many times can one be reused? How should it be washed? Can it be shared? In communities where menstruation is not discussed openly, women may not hang them out to dry properly, leading to dampness and potential infections. Thus, solving one problem can create another.
In urban areas, the disposal of used pads has become a significant concern, with solid waste management being a work in progress. Improper disposal methods, such as throwing used sanitary products into open spaces or water bodies, not only pollute the environment but also pose health risks to communities. Landfilling is considered unhygienic since we are dealing with blood. Sorting waste at the household level is the most recommended method, but many households do not have proper waste-handling facilities.
As we approach Menstrual Hygiene Day, we need to teach our daughters and sisters the proper disposal of sanitary products. Educate both women and men about menstruation, break taboos, and promote open discussions to eliminate the stigma associated with periods. Teach them personal hygiene and inform them about the various products available in the market. Provide schools with clean, private toilets and clean water, and ensure there are bins for the disposal of used sanitary products. If resources are minimal, then have at least one or two pit latrines.
Let’s reaffirm our commitment to promoting menstrual health by prioritizing the provision of sanitation facilities and promoting proper waste disposal practices. Empowering women and girls to manage their periods safely and confidently is not just a matter of health and dignity but also a matter of gender equality and human rights.
Miss Nthiana is a Human Rights Defender and a Reproductive Health Advocate at NAYA Kenya.
