Liza Verburg’s Post

Celebrating Menstrual Hygiene Day: Together for a #PeriodFriendlyWorld 🌍 Today is Menstrual Hygiene Day, a crucial opportunity to raise awareness about menstrual health and break the stigma surrounding it. Menstruation is a natural part of life, yet millions of women and girls face challenges due to menstrual poverty—lack of access to menstrual products, adequate sanitation, and education. Why Menstrual Hygiene Matters Menstrual hygiene is essential for the health, dignity, and empowerment of women and girls worldwide. Addressing menstrual health is about more than just providing products; it's about ensuring equality, health, and education for all. The Impact of Menstrual Poverty -Education: Girls missing school during their periods due to lack of products lose valuable learning time, affecting their future opportunities. -Health: Without proper menstrual hygiene, women and girls are at risk of infections and other health issues. -Stigma: Cultural taboos and misinformation perpetuate shame and silence, preventing open discussions and support. Our Role Each of us has a part to play in creating a #PeriodFriendlyWorld. By talking openly about menstruation, supporting those in need, and advocating for better menstrual health policies, we can make a significant impact. How You Can Help - Spread Awareness: Share information about the importance of menstrual health and hygiene. -Engage in Dialogue: Encourage open and honest discussions about menstruation. -Support Education: Advocate for comprehensive menstrual education in schools to empower the next generation. Let's work together to ensure that every girl and woman can manage their period with dignity and confidence. Together, we can make a difference. #MenstrualHygieneDay #PeriodFriendlyWorld #EndPeriodPoverty #EmpowerHer

Girls around the world face a number of challenges related to menstruation, including: 🛑 Menstruation stigma: The negative beliefs and taboos that make periods seem dirty or shameful. 🛑 Inadequate sanitation facilities: Many girls lack access to clean toilets and private spaces to manage their periods hygienically. 🛑 Limited knowledge: A lack of accurate information about menstruation can lead to anxiety and fear. 🛑Limited access to menstrual products: Affordable pads, tampons, or menstrual cups are often unavailable, forcing girls to use makeshift solutions that are unhealthy or ineffective. These challenges can have a serious impact on girls' lives, leading to: • Lack of confidence: Feeling ashamed or embarrassed about menstruation can affect a girl's self-esteem. • School absenteeism: Girls may miss school due to fear of leaks, lack of access to facilities, or period pain. • Social isolation: Stigma can lead girls to withdraw from activities or social interactions. • Physical and health discomfort: Improper hygiene practices due to limited resources can increase the risk of infections. It is therefore our collective responsibilities to; • Raise awareness: Openly discuss menstruation to break down the stigma and normalize periods. • Advocate for menstrual hygiene management (MHM): Support programs that provide girls with access to clean toilets, washing facilities, and private changing areas. • Promote access to affordable menstrual products: Encourage initiatives that make pads, tampons, or menstrual cups readily available and affordable. Most importantly, remember that periods are a natural part of life for most women and girls. Let's work together to create a world where menstruation is no longer a barrier to health, education, and opportunity. Cheers !!! Ambassador Nubwa Ibrahim Bawuro

If you know me, you know I'm passionate and committed to empowering AGYWs. Do you know menstruation? Sounds like a small topic but do you know what women go through when menstruating? Let's talk about it. Menstruation is a natural and essential part of life for billions of women worldwide. Yet, the stigma and misconceptions surrounding it continue to impact adolescent and young women, often leading to shame, misinformation, and barriers to education and health. It's time we change the narrative. This are the ways we can use. 1. Education is Key**: Comprehensive menstrual education should be an integral part of the curriculum. When young women understand their bodies, they are better equipped to manage their health and well-being. This knowledge also fosters confidence and self-esteem. 2. Access to Menstrual Products: No young woman should miss out on opportunities due to a lack of menstrual products. Ensuring access to affordable and hygienic menstrual products is crucial for their dignity, education, and overall health. 3. Creating Supportive Environments: Schools, workplaces, and communities must be supportive spaces where menstruation is not a taboo. This includes having facilities that cater to menstrual needs and promoting open conversations. 4. Combating Stigma and Myths: We must actively work to dismantle harmful myths and stigmas associated with menstruation. Normalizing menstruation through positive representation in media and public discourse can make a significant difference. 5. Health and Policy Advocacy: Advocacy for policies that support menstrual health and hygiene is vital. This includes everything from ensuring menstrual leave policies to advocating for tax-free menstrual products. Let's commit to fostering a world where adolescent and young women feel empowered, educated, and supported in their menstrual health journey. By addressing these issues head-on, we pave the way for a healthier, more equitable future. #MenstrualHealth #WomensHealth #Education #Empowerment #HealthEquity #BreakingTheSilen

Today I am going to write an article on a very important topic of the society.. Image of periods in a society :- The image of menstruation in society is often influenced by cultural, social, and historical factors, leading to a complex and multifaceted perception. While attitudes towards menstruation vary widely across different cultures and communities, several common themes and stereotypes persist. Historically, menstruation has been surrounded by taboo and stigma in many societies. It has been viewed as unclean, shameful, and even dangerous, leading to practices of isolation and exclusion of menstruating individuals from certain social and religious activities. These negative perceptions have contributed to a culture of silence surrounding menstruation, where open discussion and education about menstrual health are limited. In addition to stigma, menstruation is often portrayed in media and popular culture in a simplistic or sensationalized manner. Advertisements for menstrual products frequently depict menstruation as a problem to be solved, emphasizing discreetness and odor control. This narrow representation perpetuates stereotypes and reinforces the idea that menstruation is something to be hidden or ashamed of. Conversely, there has been a growing movement to challenge these negative perceptions and promote menstrual positivity and empowerment. Advocates and activists around the world are working to break the silence surrounding menstruation, destigmatize periods, and promote menstrual equity and access to menstrual products. This includes initiatives to improve menstrual education in schools, provide affordable and sustainable menstrual products to underserved communities, and challenge discriminatory policies and practices that impact menstruating individuals. Overall, the image of menstruation in society is evolving, with both persistent stigma and emerging efforts to promote openness, inclusivity, and empowerment. By challenging stereotypes, advocating for menstrual health, and fostering supportive communities, we can work towards a future where menstruation is celebrated as a natural and normal part of life for all individuals. #periods#society#menstruation#important#taboo #menstrualhealth#empowerment#womenhealth

Poor menstrual hygiene has far-reaching consequences: 📚 Education Disruptions: Girls in resource-poor settings often miss school due to challenges in managing menstruation, including lack of privacy and inadequate water and sanitation facilities, which negatively impacts their education. 😔 Stigma and Shame: Societal stigma around menstruation leads to shame and embarrassment, discouraging open discussions and hindering progress in menstrual health. ⚕️ Health Risks: Limited access to menstrual products and proper hygiene practices can cause infections and discomfort. At ACHAP, we view menstrual health as a critical health and human rights issue. Our actions towards integrating menstrual health in our cross-cutting interventions in women's health include: 🔹 Health-Centered Approach: Recognizing menstruation as a health issue with physical, psychological, and social dimensions, we aim to destigmatize it and promote holistic well-being throughout a person's life span. 🔹 Access and Empowerment: We advocate for providing access to menstrual products, water, sanitation, disposal facilities, and education. We emphasize competent and empathic care to ensure menstruation is seen positively. 🔹 Collaboration and Measurement: We encourage collaboration among policymakers, program managers, and humanitarian organizations to meet comprehensive menstrual health needs and stress the importance of monitoring and measuring the impact of these efforts. By advocating for menstrual health as a basic human right, ACHAP aims to create a more equitable world where girls and women can fully participate in education, work, and social activities without the burden of menstrual stigma and inadequate resources. Let's break the barriers and support menstrual health for all! 🌍💪 #MenstrualHygieneDay #MenstrualHealth #EducationForAll #EndTheStigma #ACHAP #HealthAndHumanRights #Empowerment #Collaboration

As we observe Menstrual Hygiene Month this May, it’s essential to recognize the importance of menstrual health and hygiene for the well-being and empowerment of individuals who menstruate. This month is dedicated to raising awareness, breaking the stigma, and promoting practices that ensure health, dignity, and education around menstruation. Why Menstrual Hygiene Matters: Menstrual hygiene is crucial for health, education, and equality. Poor menstrual hygiene can lead to infections and other health issues, affecting the quality of life. It can also impact education, as many young people miss school due to inadequate menstrual products and facilities. Addressing menstrual hygiene is a step toward gender equality and human rights. How We Can Make a Difference: Education and Awareness: Promote open conversations about menstruation to break taboos. Provide comprehensive education on menstrual health and hygiene in schools and communities. Access to Products: Support initiatives that ensure access to affordable and sustainable menstrual products for all. Encourage workplaces to provide free menstrual products in restrooms. Infrastructure and Policy: Advocate for better sanitation facilities in schools and public places. Support policies that ensure menstrual health management is included in health and education programs. Community Engagement: Partner with organizations working on menstrual health initiatives. Organize workshops and events to distribute menstrual products and educate communities. Join Us in Action: This Menstrual Hygiene Month, let’s commit to action and advocacy. Share information, participate in local events, and support organizations dedicated to menstrual health. Together, we can create a world where menstruation is no longer a barrier but a normal part of life. Let’s break the silence and make a difference. Here’s to a healthier, more equitable future for all. #yeainitiativeformentalhealth #menstrualhygieneday

I remember my first period. I was 13 years old, and my mum had prepared me for the experience. We had books in our home about it, talked about it freely and I had access to menstrual products. This is not the case with many girls who live in my continent. In many cultures and communities, when a girl or woman is on her period she’s isolated, excluded from social activities, and not allowed to enter religious spaces during her periods. Because, “menstruation” is seen as impure and dirty. Can you imagine being called "unclean" or "impure" just because you're on your period? It's unfortunate that this is the reality of many women and girls. The question remains: why should there be any shame attached to something as natural as menstruation? I believe the answer lies in the lack of proper education, stigma, high cost of menstrual products and the lack of proper sanitation facilities. Over 500 million women and girls don't have access to menstrual hygiene management that they need for their period each month. This has led to girls missing school, women missing work, and countless others facing unnecessary health risks. While there have been some campaigns of ending the stigma around menstruation, I believe there’s a need for more awareness and action towards ending this stigma. And it starts with: - Having a well informed education on menstruation for all including men and boys - Ensuring that menstrual products are affordable and accessible to everyone, everywhere - Provision for an hygienic menstrual toilets at work and schools - Invest in improving data on menstrual health and hygiene. With these actions in place, I believe menstruation would no longer become a thing of shame and together, we can change how society views menstruation. ♻ REPOST if you support ending the stigma and shame around menstruation. Can you also remember the first time you had your menstruation? #menstrualhygieneday #endperiodpoverty #wearecommitted #periodfriendlyworld

🌸 Breaking the Silence: Empowering Women through Menstrual Health Education🌸 Did you know that over a third of women lack a clear understanding of their own menstrual cycles, and more than 58% are uncertain about what constitutes a normal cycle? The perpetuation of taboo around menstruation has led to a significant educational gap, impacting women's health and wellbeing. 🚀 Menstrual Health Fresco Initiative: Bridging Gaps Inspired by the success of the climate and diversity frescos and the Women@Dior educational platform, the idea struck us: why not combine the two? Even at our age, we acknowledge that our understanding of our bodies may not be sufficient. Through the Menstrual Health Fresco Initiative, we aim to elaborate on complicated women's hygiene knowledge while spreading it to a larger audience. This project provides comprehensive menstrual education around health and hygiene practices, fostering positivity, and encouraging open communication. Our innovative workshop covers the menstrual cycle, hygiene options, reproductive health, common disorders, and dispels myths and stereotypes. 🌐 Impact on Mental and Physical Well-being By empowering women with knowledge, we're not only improving their mental and physical health but also breaking the silence around menstruation. This workshop is a catalyst for positive change, creating a community and a safe space for open conversation. 🤝 Join Us in This Mission From a few women to many more, join us in this mission by supporting the Menstrual Health Fresco. Together, let's break the silence, because together, we're stronger than ever. 💪🌟 #MenstrualHealthFresco #EmpowerWomen

DID YOU KNOW????? It’s estimated that 500 million women are unable to attain menstrual health, which is fundamental to the equality, rights, and dignity of all individuals who menstruate. Nonetheless, menstrual health is still not considered a priority by all. 🩸 Menstrual health is defined as complete physical, mental, and social well-being in relation to the menstrual cycle. Achieving good menstrual health relies on women having the resources they need to participate fully in all spheres of life during their menstrual cycle. Millions of women and girls worldwide experience period poverty, described as limited access to period products, menstrual education, or adequate water sanitation and hygiene facilities. Cultural norms, stigma, and taboos surrounding menstruation create further barriers to achieving menstrual health. Through experiencing these barriers to achieving menstrual health, all individuals who menstruate are being denied their basic human rights. For that reason, addressing menstrual health is crucial. We propose four action points for achieving menstrual health for all: 1. 🌺 Create an enabling sociocultural environment to manage menstrual needs with dignity and comfort. 2. 💰 Provide affordable quality materials and information on different types of products. 3. 🚿 Ensure the provision of adequate sanitation facilities, water, changing, and bathing spaces. 4. 🩺 Train health workers on menstrual health and gender-responsive approaches. Together, let's advocate for menstrual health as a fundamental human right! #MenstrualHealthIsAHumanRight #EndPeriodStigma #MenstrualEquity 🩸✨