By: Salmon Joash
Did you know that millions of women and girls worldwide are stigmatized, excluded, and discriminated against simply because they menstruate? This must end.
Menstruation is natural and normal and should never prevent women and girls from getting an education, earning an income, or fully and equally participating in everyday life.
The date chosen to observe Menstrual Hygiene Day, that is 28th May, is in itself a special date. 28 signifies the ‘cycle of 28 days’ that is considered the standard menstrual cycle for any girl or woman. Further, May, the 5th month of the year signifies the 5 days of the periods. #MHDay2022 is observed to highlight menstruation as a natural process. No girl or woman should be cast out, missing out, experiencing fear or shame, or be exposed to greater vulnerabilities.
Poor menstrual hygiene can lead to many issues, such as fungal or bacterial infections of the reproductive tract and the urinary tract. Irritation of the skin causes discomfort and can possibly result in dermatitis – a medical condition in which the skin swells, turns red, and at times becomes sore with blisters.
Changing sanitary napkins or tampons within every 4-6 hours is the cardinal rule to establish vaginal hygiene. In addition, good menstrual health and hygiene depends on access to sanitary pads, privacy to change the materials, and access to facilities to dispose of used menstrual management materials.
#WeAreCommitted #endperiodofshame #YouGoGirl
Salmon Joash
Maasai Mara University