Let’s Talk About Menstrual Hygiene!

By Nange Mbehni

I recently stumbled upon some eye-opening statistics from the World Health Organization that left me utterly shocked, and I just had to share! Did you know that over 300 million women around the world are menstruating on any given day? Even more staggering is that about 500 million of them lack access to basic menstrual products and facilities. Isn’t that hard to believe? I was taken aback, too!

Given these numbers, I think it’s super important for us to have an open discussion about menstrual hygiene. This isn’t just about numbers; it’s about how women and adolescent girls manage their periods with dignity, comfort, and confidence. Menstrual hygiene means using clean products, changing them regularly, maintaining personal cleanliness, and having access to safe disposal facilities.

So, can you guess what this topic is all about? 

That’s right—menstrual hygiene! 

What’s Menstrual Hygiene All About?

I know you’re familiar with menstruation, but are you also aware of the importance of practicing proper hygiene during your period? Just like you wash your hands before diving into a delicious meal, it’s important to keep your body clean during your menstrual flow. This means washing your underwear and private parts regularly and staying healthy!

Now, let’s chat about the products you use during your period. Are you using pads, tampons, or menstrual cups? It’s essential to change these products regularly for your comfort and health.

And let’s not forget the basics: clean water! We need it to wash our private parts, clean our underwear, and maintain good hygiene. A clean toilet and a tidy environment are also key to feeling comfortable during our period.

One major challenge many of us face is the high cost of menstrual products. Have you ever felt embarrassed at school because your period stained your uniform? Trust me, you’re not alone!

Share Your Stories!

I’d love for you to share your experiences with us. Let’s break the stigma around menstruation together! Your stories matter, and they can help others feel less alone.