Rahma Oda’s Post

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

#Womensday - Menstrual care is a crucial component of women’s health that often doesn't receive the attention it deserves. This day offers an opportunity to raise awareness about the challenges many face, such as period poverty, where individuals lack access to affordable menstrual products, and the stigma surrounding menstruation that can lead to misinformation and inadequate support. Promoting menstrual health on Women's Day involves advocating for: 1. Access to Products: Ensuring that menstrual products are affordable and accessible to everyone who needs them. This includes supporting initiatives that provide free or subsidized menstrual products in schools, workplaces, and communities. 2. Education and Awareness: Increasing menstrual health education to dispel myths and promote accurate information. This includes incorporating comprehensive menstrual education into school curriculums and public health campaigns. 3. Breaking the Stigma: Encouraging open discussions about menstruation to normalize it and challenge the cultural taboos that contribute to the stigma. This involves supporting campaigns and policies that promote positive menstrual health practices and inclusive dialogue. 4. Supporting Research and Innovation: Investing in research to improve menstrual products and address health issues related to menstruation, ensuring that solutions are both effective and environmentally sustainable. 5. Ensuring Health Equity: Addressing disparities in menstrual health care among different socio-economic and demographic groups, ensuring that all individuals have access to the care and resources they need. By focusing on menstrual care on Women's Day, we advocate for a more equitable world where every individual can manage their menstrual health with dignity and support. With the generous support of Truffle Asset Management we put together 110 #menstrual care kits to hand out to the grade 6 and 7 girls at Robinhills Primary school. #corporate #sponsorship enables us to reach more learners. #periodswithdignity #keepgirlsinschool Simone Sharman CFP®

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

🌸 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

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

"Men and Menstruation: Empowering Through Uncomfortable yet Vital Education. Pennies 4 Pads recognizes the significance of uncomfortable yet crucial conversations. Educating young boys about menstrual health might be uncomfortable, but it's essential in shaping a more understanding and supportive society. Witnessing their transformation from misconceptions to informed allies was inspiring. Join in championing knowledge and empathy. Learn more and support their cause at www.pennies4pads.org #pennies4pads #girlseducation #MenstrualHealth #EmpathyEducation"

🔴 Breaking the Silence: Let's Talk About Menstruation 🔴 It's time to shatter the taboo surrounding menstruation, especially among young girls. 🩸 For too long, society has whispered about this natural process, leaving many girls feeling embarrassed or ashamed. But it's time for change. 💪 By openly discussing menstruation and providing education and support, we can empower girls to embrace this aspect of their health without fear or stigma. 💬 Here are a few ways we can make a difference: 1️⃣ Education: Providing comprehensive menstrual health education in schools can help dispel myths and misconceptions, empowering girls with accurate information from an early age. 2️⃣ Access to Resources: Ensuring access to affordable menstrual products is crucial. No girl should have to miss school because she can't afford pads or tampons. 3️⃣ Open Dialogue: Encouraging open conversations about menstruation in families, communities, and workplaces can normalize the topic and break down barriers. 4️⃣ Empathy and Support: Creating a supportive environment where girls feel comfortable discussing their menstrual experiences without judgment is essential for their well-being. Let's work together to create a world where menstruation is celebrated, not shamed. 💙 #BreakTheStigma #MenstruationMatters #EmpowerGirls 🌟

Men and Menstruation    Ever wondered if men have a role to play in the menstrual well-being of women? Do they truly understand or appreciate what a woman goes through during her reproductive cycle? Do men possess enough understanding or empathy to show concern or consideration for a woman’s plight?    Pennies 4 Pads, the world’s largest sanitary pad donor, firmly believes that men do have a significant role to play in this space. A thorough understanding of female biology and the associated emotional swings can make a big difference in their perception of the whole issue, making them much more supportive to women and helping them create a world of difference!    Pennies 4 Pads aims to instill this empathy at an early age. We have initiated the pioneering work of educating boys on menstrual issues. As part of our 'Men and Menstruation' initiative, we organized exclusive training sessions for middle/high school boys last week in the city of Bangalore.    Interesting insights emerged from these meetings. The boys’ knowledge level on menstrual issues varied from absolute ignorance (not even aware of menstrual periods) to misconstrued ideas (believing a girl is not healthy if she is having her periods) to taboos (keeping away from menstruating girls; they make you sick! )    Our Program Managers did a fabulous job of teaching these boys the basics of menstruation and how they can make a difference for their sisters, mothers, and friends by providing physical and emotional support when needed.    The most satisfying part was the way the boys reacted and received this information. They showed enthusiasm to learn and displayed a positive attitude. Hopefully, this translates into action in the future.    Pennies 4 Pads plans to expand this activity to other states as well. As the world’s largest sanitary pad donor, we are working towards a holistic solution to the issue of neglected menstrual health and how it affects education! Support us www.pennies4pads.org or GPAY 919487366752 #pennies4pads #girlseducation #menstrualhealth  

Celebrate World Menstrual Hygiene Day with Period Reality! 🌍 At Period Reality, we’re committed to addressing the challenges that menstruating individuals face every day. On this World Menstrual Hygiene Day, we want to highlight the critical issues and spark a conversation about how we can create a more informed, empathetic, and supportive world for everyone who menstruates. 📚 Lack of Information 70% of women and girls lack sufficient knowledge about their menstrual cycle. It’s time to break the silence and provide the information they need to understand their bodies better. 💬 Lack of Empathy 58% of menstruating individuals in the US feel embarrassed by their periods, and 42% have been shamed or made to feel bad about having their period. Let’s foster a culture of empathy and understanding. 🎓 Inadequate Education In the US, 48% of girls felt unprepared for their first period due to insufficient education. The numbers are even higher in India (10%) and Nigeria (7%). Education is key to empowerment. ⚖️ Gender Inequality and Inequity 1 in 5 women in the workforce has experienced workplace discrimination or negative experiences related to their menstrual cycle. Equality in the workplace starts with understanding and accommodation. 🏫 Hostile Workplaces and Educational Institutions 71% of girls want more menstrual health education in school, and 59% of women report inadequate facilities or policies at their workplace. It’s time for change. Join us in advocating for menstrual health education, empathetic support, and inclusive policies. Together, we can create a world where everyone feels informed, supported, and empowered. #PeriodReality #WorldMenstrualHygieneDay #MenstrualHealth #GenderEquality #MenstrualEducation