Winnies Pure Health’s Post

Menstruation is a natural and essential part of a woman’s life, yet it remains a topic shrouded in silence, stigma, and inadequate awareness in many parts of the world, including those in Ghana, face significant challenges due to an inadequate menstrual hygiene education. It encompasses a range of activities and initiatives aimed at providing girls and women with knowledge, skills, and resources to manage menstruation hygienically and with dignity Read more below; https://lnkd.in/dTEwm4mv.

Empowering Young Girls; Enhancing Lives Amina is a JSS2 student attending a public school. She lives in a rural community, where most young girls begin menstruation without prior information. As a result, she only knows that when she first sees blood, she has attained womanhood. She doesn't understand what sanitary products are or what they look like, and for over a year, she has been using tissue or any rag she finds in the house. Many times, she has had to miss school during her period because she got herself stained. With the belief that no one should know about her period, she skips classes and ends up not coming to school for several days. Gradually, she began to fail her subjects and soon had an infection. Unfortunately, living like this can lead to consistent unpleasant odour, skin irritation, increased shame, and stigma. The consistent use of tissue can lead to infertility and an increased risk of infections for Amina. There are many others like Amina. That is why Feminine Hygiene Support aims to change the narrative by spreading awareness about menstrual hygiene. Menstruation is a natural process that women and girls experience until menopause. Hence, we shouldn't be shy to talk about it. FHS is not only providing free sanitary pads to women and girls but also educating them to enhance their understanding and open their minds. In rural Nigeria, many women and girls lack access to basic menstrual health products and facilities, leading to discomfort, insecurity, inequality, and discrimination. But we're changing that! Feminine Hygiene Support is creating a positive change in rural regions of Nigeria by providing: - Sanitary pads - Menstrual health education - Dignified solutions for menstrual management Join us on this journey to: - Break the silence around menstruation - Build confidence and self-esteem - Unlock the potential of rural women and girls Together, let's create a more inclusive and equitable society for all. Watch our video to see the impact we're making and how you can be part of the change! 8076620859 Boluwatife Ogundoro (Feminine Hygiene Support) Moniepoint MFB

International Menstrual Hygiene Day! Last year was a profound eye-opener for me. On one Saturday visit to Makola Market, I engaged with the Kayayo about menstrual hygiene. The encounter broke my heart—many of them couldn't afford sanitary pads and instead resorted to using car dusters. They would buy the dusters, cut them into pieces, and use them for their periods. It's deeply saddening that, in this day and age, girls and women have to endure such indignities. Menstruation is a natural part of life, and no one should have to suffer like this. Available data indicates that 9 out of 10 girls regularly miss school during their periods, between 44 to 54 % of school girls in northern region uses cloth to collect menstrual blood because they cannot not afford it. This could have a dire consequences for these girls which affects their education, health, social and dignity Every girl and woman deserves to experience their period with dignity. Why tax sanitary pads? What happens to those who cannot afford? Today, as we observe Menstrual Hygiene Day 2024, we rally around the theme "Together for a #PeriodFriendlyWorld." This theme underscores the importance of collective action in ensuring that girls and women have access to the sanitary products they need, comprehensive period education, and period-friendly infrastructure. We must hold the government accountable and support initiatives that aim to create a #PeriodFriendlyWorld. Together, we can break down the barriers that prevent girls and women from fully participating in education, work, and society. Let's stand united and champion a future where menstruation is not a barrier but a normal, healthy part of life for every girl and woman in Ghana. #MenstrualHygieneDay #PeriodFriendlyWorld #MenstrualHealthMatters

MENTRUAL HEALTH AND HYGIENE: BREAKING BARRIERS FOR WOMEN AND GIRLS IN NIGERIA. Menstruation, a natural biological process, poses significant challenges for women and girls worldwide especially in African due to the lack of access to affordable and hygienic menstrual products. This issue is particularly acute in low-income communities, where managing menstrual hygiene not only affects physical health but also impacts education, dignity, and overall quality of life. The high cost of sanitary pads precisely in Nigeria has created barriers for many girls and women, leading to resorting to unhygienic practices with potential health risks such as cutting old clothes or rags into pieces, sprinkling water on old newspapers, leaves, and tissues, or staying at home and sitting in a bucket for a long period. These unhygienic practices expose them to a higher risk of infections and reproductive health issues but also contribute to feelings of shame, embarrassment, and stigma surrounding menstruation. Some of these women and girls do not also have undies (pants), especially during their periodic flow. It has become vital to address the barriers that hinder women and girls from accessing menstrual products and information, as these barriers directly impacts on her health, education, and overall well-being. Through collaborative efforts with the government and corporation organizations, we advocate for reducing the cost of sanitary pads and ensuring their accessibility through subsidies or free distribution in public schools, communities, markets, and places of worship. It is worthy to note that menstruation is a given, not a choice. Together, let us champion this course, break the silence surrounding menstruation, eradicate stigma, and empower every woman and girl in Nigeria to manage her menstruation with dignity and pride. Empowering women is not just essential; it is fundamental for societal progress and survival. African Women Mentoring and Inspiring Initiative (AWMII) engages with communities, churches, schools, marketplaces, and corporate organizations where women await positive impact and we play our part: we are committed to not only mentor but also provide free sanitary pads, conduct training on their use, and promote proper disposal, alongside other activities. We call on International Communities for Support. #Menstrual #Hygiene #Health #sanitary #pads

For many young girls and women, menstruation is a normal part of life. But across the globe, this natural process is still deemed taboo; or worse, considered unclean. 🩸 Today on International Women’s Day, we at NIRAS want to highlight the undeniable importance of openly talking about periods and menstrual hygiene, especially in a nation like Ethiopia where more than half of adolescent girls have never been taught about menstrual health. Normalising discussions on the matter enables those who experience this process to freely ask what they need to know and what to do to ensure they remain healthy throughout their cycle. 💡 In light of this, we are happy to share that a project in Ethiopia is doing just that. A technical assistance project under the Foreign Commonwealth Development Office-funded Strengthening Climate Resilience Systems on Water Sanitation Hygiene (SCRS-WaSH) programme, which primarily sets out to achieve improved access to climate-resilient water and sanitation services, aims in part to support the Ministry of Education and Regional Education Bureaus in addressing the issue of accessibility of menstrual hygiene products among adolescent girls. 👩🏿 To do this, the project is distributing reusable menstrual hygiene kits containing four reusable pads and two pairs of underwear to target schools across the East African country. It is also handing out behaviour change communication (BCC) materials that further educate young adolescents and the public on menstruation. So far, a total of 129 schools have received menstrual hygiene products and BCC materials, benefitting a total of 29,559 menstruating schoolgirls in the process. On top of this, NIRAS has also organised activities for capacity building, awareness creation and knowledge development targeted to adolescent girls and boys in schools, as well as teachers and parents. A training of trainers was also held for Gender Club Leads and School Directors in the regions of Afar, Amhara, Benshangul Gumuz, Dire Dawa, Harari, Oromia, Sidama, the former Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples’ Region (SNNPR) and Somali, who will then share their learnings to girls and boys in the wider school community. 👩🏿🏫 “When I experienced my first period, I was shy and concerned whether girls would see it or if it leaks,” a Gender Club leader in Afar said. “But now, we train students on open discussion and that periods should not be taboo.” As for a schoolgirl in the same region, she attributes her newfound ease of attending classes to the new menstrual health amenities in her school. “We used to miss school for three or four days because of menstruation,” she said. “But now, we go to the MH room, wash, change and go back to school.” A huge kudos to the team for achieving these wins, and here’s to a future where talking about menstrual health is no longer the exception but the norm. 🧭 #InternationalWomensDay #NIRASProjects #MenstrualHealth #MenstrualHygiene #SDG5 #SDG6 #Ethiopia

🌸 May: A Month of Awareness and Advocacy 🌸 In May, we shined a spotlight on two critical health issues affecting millions of women and girls worldwide: Menstrual Hygiene and Obstetric Fistula. Menstrual Hygiene Day (May 28) Menstrual Hygiene Day is dedicated to breaking the silence and taboos surrounding menstruation. It’s a call to action for improved access to menstrual products, education, and sanitation facilities. By empowering girls and women with the knowledge and resources they need, we can help them manage their menstruation with dignity and confidence. International Day to End Obstetric Fistula (May 23) Obstetric fistula is a devastating childbirth injury that leaves women incontinent and often shunned by their communities. This day is a reminder of the importance of quality maternal healthcare and the urgent need for medical intervention and social support for affected women. I reaffirm my commitment to: Raise Awareness: Promote open conversations about menstrual health and fistula. I will Support Access: Advocate for better access to menstrual products and maternal healthcare services. We all need to End Stigma: Challenge the stigmas and taboos that hinder women's health and well-being. Together, we can create a world where every woman and girl can thrive with health, dignity, and respect. #MenstrualHygieneDay #EndObstetricFistula #WomensHealth #DignityForAll #Healthcare #Advocacy #Support Check out this article by clicking on the link below. https://lnkd.in/d8NSMRRA NV_188985#:~:text=Access%20to%20sanitary%20products%20remains,periods%2C%20perpetuating%20cycles%20of%20disadvantage.

🌍 Menstrual Hygiene Day: A Call to Action for Affordable Sanitary Towels in Developing Countries Today, on Menstrual Hygiene Day, I wish to shine a spotlight on an issue that affects millions of women and girls worldwide: the accessibility and affordability of sanitary towels. In many developing countries, including Nigeria, the cost of sanitary products remains prohibitively high, leading to significant barriers for many women and girls. This lack of access not only impacts health and hygiene but also affects education, work, and overall quality of life. Why Affordable Sanitary Towels Matter: 1. Health and Hygiene: Proper menstrual hygiene is crucial for preventing infections and ensuring the overall well-being of women and girls. 2. Education: Many girls miss school during their menstrual cycle due to a lack of adequate sanitary products. Making these products affordable can help reduce absenteeism and improve educational outcomes. 3. Economic Participation: Women and girls who can manage their menstruation safely and with dignity are more likely to participate fully in the workforce and contribute to their communities' economic growth. 4. Dignity and Empowerment: Access to affordable sanitary products helps women and girls manage their menstruation with dignity, breaking the stigma and empowering them to lead confident lives. What Can Be Done? Government and Policy Initiatives: Government should consider reducing or eliminating taxes on sanitary products where applicable and subsidizing their cost to make them more affordable. Corporate Responsibility: Companies can play a crucial role by innovating to produce low-cost, high-quality sanitary products and engaging in social responsibility programs that distribute these products to underserved communities. Community Action: Local NGOs and community groups can raise awareness, provide education on menstrual hygiene, and distribute free or low-cost sanitary towels to those in need. Together, we can create a world where every woman and girl has access to the menstrual products they need to live healthy, dignified, and productive lives. Let’s advocate for policies and initiatives that prioritize menstrual health and hygiene, and work towards making sanitary towels super affordable in countries like Nigeria. #MenstrualHygieneDay #PeriodPoverty #AffordableSanitaryTowels #WomensHealth #EducationForAll #Empowerment

NEW REPORT: Globally, menstrual health needs in schools are being overlooked due to limited access to information, education, products, and services. In 🇵🇭, as of 2020: -Sanitary pads access improved to 83% -Access to single-sex toilets lagged at 66% #MenstruationMatters #ForEveryChild

#MENSTRUAL #HYGIENE #MANAGEMENT, #FISTULA WITH CEHURD - Uganda In an X SPACE Discussion today with CEHURD - Uganda I listened to key note speakers who clearly elaborated about #menstrual hygiene, menstruation, fistula. it reminded me of 2017 I was in my form six, when my eyes went tearly after listening to a young girl who was a victim of fistula. She narrated about how she suffered sexual assault and getting pregnant at the age of sixteen years old. she got birth complications and at the end of it all, she underwent several surgeries to get rid of fistula and to date, she had to pamper herself day in day out inorder to keep a public image. Today, when I heard the discussants saying that the men and the boys are deliberately negative about menstruation, hate to discuss it even with their own children for the sake of the fathers, it is a great call to action for the different stake holders of menstruation. This includes both the male and females in talking about menstruation. BUT the question is, are they disseminated with the safe, correct and reliable information about menstruation!?! Menstrual health is really key most especially for our young girls who are experiencing it for the first time in their lifetime! It's at this time when they learn management for all the other cycles to come. As for the parents both fathers and mothers, it is just okay for both of you talk to both boys and girls about menstrual health and it's management. when it is done, our sisters shall feel safe and secure in menstruation. Scientific research has it that in Uganda, very many families live on less than a dollar per day.(Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) ,2021). they are actually below the poverty line. These are the very families with children who are experiencing menstruation. They need to have access to safe sanitary towels that they can use to manage menstruation, keep in school, keep safe and secure in the community. Such a family is supposed to save one and above dollars (5000ugx) plus, to purchase the sanitary towels at a local market. With inflation, even more is needed in contrast with the survival capacity for the entire family of less than one dollar per day. The same family remains biased, and the girls resort to barbaric and unhealthy ways to manage the menstruation. These ways include soil, (refer to MARTIN MULUNGANA #breakingthesilence: The Menstrual hygiene crisis facing girls in uganda.) as for the parents especially the fathers, ignorance misinforms them that the girl is ready for marriage. hence the high rates of under marriages especially in low income communities like busoga sub region.(Ivaibi Charles, 2023) Dear legislators, could you subsidise the accessibility of sanitary towels pads for our girls. dear civil society organisations, could you disseminate the information about menstruation, and it's management! yes you need to do more. CEHURD - Uganda Anita Annet Among Charlotte Iraguha Plan International Teach For Uganda

3 Key Things to Know About Period Poverty. Poor menstrual hygiene can cause physical health risks and has been linked to reproductive and urinary tract infections. Globally, 1.7 billion people live without basic sanitation services. Girls with disabilities disproportionately do not have access to the facilities and resources they need for proper menstrual hygiene. Who Is Affected? Menstrual health is not just a women’s issue. Globally, 1.7 billion people live without basic sanitation services. In developing countries, nearly three-quarters of people lack basic handwashing facilities at home. Not being able to use these facilities makes it harder for women and young girls to manage their periods safely and with dignity. Girls with disabilities disproportionately do not have access to the facilities and resources they need for proper menstrual hygiene. Living in conflict-affected areas, or in the aftermath of natural disasters, also makes it more difficult for women and girls to manage their periods. Young boys benefit from menstrual hygiene education, too. Educating girls and boys on menstruation at an early age at home and school promotes healthy habits and breaks stigmas around the natural process. Achieving menstrual equity means access to sanitary products, proper toilets, hand washing facilities, sanitation and hygiene education, and waste management for people around the world all. What Are the Main Causes? Menstruation is stigmatized around the world. In some communities in Nepal, for example, menstruating women are seen as impure by their community and banished to huts during their cycles. While menstrual huts are technically illegal, families continue taking the risk because myths and misconceptions are deeply rooted in Nepalese culture. The non-governmental agency WoMena conducted a study in Uganda and found many girls skipped school while on their period to avoid teasing by classmates. #PeriodPoverty #MenstrualMatters #SanitaryPads #PeerEducation