Today is internationally known as Menstrual Hygiene Day! Pretty big to have a whole day to celebrate menstruators all across the world, especially when there is still so much taboo surrounding periods and menstruation 😬.
Menstrual Hygiene Day was created by WASH as a way to encourage open conversation and “a united and strong voice for women and girls around the world, helping to break the silence around menstrual hygiene management.”
The stigma surrounding menstruation and lack of open communication, often leaves women feeling uncomfortable about going to work and school. This is often due to the lack of accessible menstrual products at school or in the workplace.
The aim of Menstrual Hygiene Day is to create a world in which every woman and girl is empowered to manage her menstruation safely, hygienically, with confidence and without shame, where no woman or girl is limited by something as natural and normal as her period.
Menstrual Hygiene Day aims to gain attention to the global movement that supports girls' and women's rights and provides an opportunity to advocate for menstrual hygiene management into global, national and local policies and programs.
Education surrounding Menstrual Hygiene is important for many reasons; It advances education, as many girls and women don't have adequate access to menstrual products. It promotes health, not only physical health through having access to clean menstrual products but also social and mental well-being.
Menstrual Hygiene is a great day to learn some more about the importance of accessible and available menstrual products for all menstruators. If you'd like to get involved check out Menstrual Hygiene Day's website here for more information.