On 27-May-2017 In Lifestyle
How far have we come? As women, our rights have undergone several changes over the decades. We had to hide and cower under the booming voices of others. We crossed milestones with hardships and vigor fighting for a right to freedom of speech, education, gender equality, voting etc. It doesn't seem like it’s been breezy throughout, does it?After the development and broadening of the minds of certain people, we have definitely come a long way. But, it’s certainly not enough. There is so much stigma around periods and menstruation, we don’t know menstruation is still treated like a taboo. If it isn’t on anyone’s lips, it’s in people’s hearts and that matters a lot. Imagine dealing with people who consider you to be impure for a particular time in a month. Doesn’t it sound ridiculous? And still, there are a few people who are still uncomfortable to talk about periods.
Menstrual Hygiene Day falls on the 28th of May, 2017. You must be wondering why we are celebrating such a day. Menstruation and Hygiene don’t fit well together, right? For a moment, try to forget all these notions and make way towards learning something new with this story on such an important day.
Even today, buying products like tampons and pads is considered a nerve wrecking job for some. Because they don't want to show what's hiding in that bag or newspaper covering.
- 88 percent of women in India don't have access to safe menstrual absorbents to manage their periods.- 70 percent of mothers consider menstruation dirty.- Girls are absent for 20 percent of their school year due to menstruation, which is the second major reason after household work, for girls to miss school.
Menstrual Health Awareness was initiated by a German-based NGO called WASH in 2014. This initiative was supported by over 270 global partners who want to make good menstrual health a priority all over the world.
May 28th was chosen for its symbolism as May is the 5th month in a year and most of the women menstruate to an average of 5 days every month and their cycle lasts for 28 days.
Which is why Menstrual Hygiene Day is celebrated Internationally on the 28th of May, every year.
With water and toilets provided in schools, girls won't have to miss school anymore. This also means that they won't be left behind in class.
The silence about menstrual health created hindrances and limit females' access to clean water, clean products, and easy disposal off those products. This affects their dignity and human rights.
There should be more plans that support such policies and programs that include communication that addresses these so call ‘restricted’ topics and promote mental hygiene.
It is a global platform for everyone to increase awareness about menstrual hygiene management.