Celebrating Menstrual Hygiene Day 2023: Why It Matters. Did you know that menstruation is still surrounded by stigmatization and taboos? This means that in many parts of the world, girls and women face difficulties managing their periods, accessing safe and hygienic menstrual products, and are often excluded from daily activities while menstruating. However, the good news is that each year on May 28th, the world celebrates Menstrual Hygiene Day (MHD) — a day when people come together to raise awareness, reduce stigma and improve menstrual hygiene management. In this blog, we will discuss why celebrating MHD 2023 matters and how you can get involved.
Firstly, MHD 2023 provides an opportunity to break the silence around menstruation, increase awareness and education, and promote positive menstrual health and hygiene.
It draws attention to the ways in which the menstrual cycle impacts girls’ and women’s health, education, and rights, and the need for comprehensive menstrual hygiene management (MHM) programs to address these issues. By raising awareness, we can challenge harmful myths and taboos around menstruation and encourage the development of more gender-inclusive policies and practices.
Secondly, MHD 2023 is an opportunity to advocate for improved access to menstrual products and services, particularly for those who face financial, cultural, or geographical barriers. Menstrual products, such as pads and tampons, are essential to managing periods hygienically, confidently, and comfortably. However, not everyone has access to these products, with many women using inadequate and unsanitary alternatives such as rags or leaves. Advocating for improved access to menstrual products is essential to ensuring that menstruation is not a barrier to health, education, and economic opportunities.
Thirdly, MHD 2023 is a call to action, not only for individuals but also for governments and organizations. This day provides an opportunity for stakeholders to take concrete steps to address menstrual health and hygiene issues. For example, they can invest in menstrual education and awareness-raising programs, advocate for gender-inclusive policies and facilities, and provide menstrual products, such as pads and tampons, in schools, workplaces, and public spaces. Addressing menstrual health and hygiene is essential to advancing gender equality, human rights, and sustainable development.
Fourthly, anyone can take part and contribute to MHD 2023. Whether you are an individual, an organization, or a private sector company, there are many ways to make a difference. You can organize an event or campaign to raise awareness about menstrual health and hygiene, volunteer or donate to organizations that support MHM programs, or simply start a conversation with your friends and family to break down the stigma surrounding menstruation. Every action, no matter how small, can have a positive impact in advancing menstrual health and hygiene.
In conclusion, celebrating Menstrual Hygiene Day 2023 is essential to reducing stigmatization, raising awareness, and advancing menstrual health and hygiene. By breaking the taboos and advocating for better access to menstrual products and services, we can ensure that menstruation is not a barrier to education, employment, and health. So, let’s join together on May 28th, 2023, to celebrate the progress we have made and commit to working towards a world where menstrual health and hygiene are a priority for everyone, everywhere. Join the conversation over on our Instagram
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