By Mercy Robi, Millicent Mwita
As we come together on 28th May to observe the menstrual hygiene day, we aim at ending stigmatization surrounding menstruation. Menstruation is a natural biological process, yet it is surrounded by stigma and taboos in many parts of the world with Kenya being among the countries associated with these taboos. Community norms impact the ability of women and girls to manage their menstruation safely and hygienically.
Many cultures perceive menstruation as impure leading to isolation and exclusion of women from daily activities, religious ceremonies, and accessing resources in the community needed for maintaining hygiene. A study by UNICEF in Bangladesh and Nepal shows that more than half of the women do not engage in daily activities during menstruation due to stigmatization and cultural taboos.
The reservation around menstruation conversations contributes to the unpreparedness of girls when they experience their first period. This exposes them to using unhygienic materials such as rags, tissue papers, leaves, and herbs which can cause huge health risks to their reproductive health. The stigma around this poses difficulty for girls to seek information on the proper hygienic practices and even communicate with their parents and guardians about starting their menstruation. It also affects their academic performance in schools due to the trauma imposed on them during this period.
Community norms present harmful myths about menstruation where some believe blood is dangerous and unholy bringing the need to restrict women’s activities. These norms pose serious psychological effects like embarrassment and inferiority affecting the self-esteem and the mental health of young girls it also causes social isolation with girls not engaging with others.
To address this there is a need to provide comprehensive education on menstruation to both boys and girls to help abolish the myths that perpetuate stigma. Community forums should be started to discuss menstrual health freely and openly to mitigate these harmful norms.
The government and different stakeholders in the community should come together and improve access to menstrual products. This will be possible through the distribution of sanitary towels in schools and in the community. There is a need to advocate for reusable menstruation products such as menstrual cups and cloth pads which are cost-friendly and have numerous health benefits.
Advocating for policy changes that allow tax exemption on sanitary products supporting the school health policy that provides programs on menstrual education and hygiene and creating a safer environment for the girls in school.
Providing education in the community about this reserved matter can change the perception of menstruation and women’s participation in the daily activities in society, all these aimed at ensuring girls and women manage their periods safely and with dignity. By implementing these strategies we will improve menstrual hygiene for our young girls and women and create a safe space for their well-being.
