Education

 Menstruation, also known as a period, is a normal and healthy biological process. It is the monthly shedding of the uterus lining, which includes blood and tissue, that exits the body through the vagina. This process is a natural sign that a person's reproductive system is working as it should. The Menstrual CycleThe menstrual cycle is managed by hormones and prepares the body for a potential pregnancy each month. 

• Cycle Length: The average cycle lasts about 28 days, but it is normal for it to range from 21 to 35 days, especially in the first few years after it begins.
• Duration: Bleeding usually lasts for about 3 to 7 days.
• Ovulation: Roughly halfway through the cycle (around day 14), one of the ovaries releases an egg. This is called ovulation.
• The Period: If the egg is not fertilized, the body does not need the thick uterine lining it built up. The lining breaks down and is shed as a period. 

Managing SymptomsIt is common to experience some physical and emotional symptoms before or during your period, often referred to as PMS (premenstrual syndrome). 

• Common symptoms include abdominal cramps, bloating, mood swings, fatigue, and food cravings.
• Management tips:
  • Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help reduce bloating.
  • Balanced Diet: A well-balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help manage fatigue.
  • Light Exercise: Regular, light to moderate exercise can alleviate cramps and improve your mood.
  • Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers and heating pads can help manage discomfort. 

Essential Menstrual Hygiene TipsMaintaining good menstrual hygiene is vital for comfort and preventing infections. 

• Change Products Regularly: Change pads every few hours and tampons within 4 to 8 hours to prevent bacterial growth and potential health risks like Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS).
• Wash Hands: Always wash your hands with soap and water before and after changing menstrual products to prevent the spread of germs.
• Keep Clean: Wash the outside of your genital area (vulva) daily using only water or a mild, unscented soap. The vagina is self-cleaning, and using harsh chemicals or douching can disrupt its natural pH balance.
• Avoid Scented Products: Scented pads, tampons, and soaps can cause irritation and infections.
• Proper Disposal: Wrap used disposable products and place them in a trash bin; never flush them down the toilet.
• Track Your Cycle: Use a calendar or a period-tracking app to anticipate your period, which helps you stay prepared and can alert you to potential health issues. 

While menstruation is a natural process, millions of girls and women around the world face significant challenges managing their periods safely and with dignity due to a combination of poverty, inadequate infrastructure, and persistent social taboos. These challenges collectively form "period poverty" and "menstrual stigma," creating substantial barriers to education and opportunity.Defining Period PovertyPeriod poverty refers to the widespread problem of inadequate access to menstrual hygiene tools, products, and education due to financial constraints or logistical barriers.

• Lack of Access to Products: Many families cannot afford basic sanitary pads, tampons, or even reusable alternatives.
• Lack of Facilities: An estimated 500 million people globally lack access to basic sanitation and hygiene facilities (like clean toilets or soap and water) at home or school, making proper hygiene impossible [1].
• Financial Strain: The cost of menstrual products adds significant financial strain to low-income households, forcing difficult choices between buying period supplies and purchasing essentials like food or medicine.

The Impact on EducationThe direct consequence of period poverty and stigma is that girls are often unable to participate fully in daily life, especially school.

• Missed School Days: Girls often miss multiple days of school each month because they lack products, face pain, or don't have a private place to change or clean themselves.
• Poorer Outcomes: Regular absence leads to girls falling behind in their studies, negatively impacting their overall educational attainment and future career prospects.
• Drop-Out Rates: In some communities, managing menstruation is so difficult and stigmatized that girls drop out of school entirely after they begin menstruating.

The Role of Stigma and TaboosHarmful myths, taboos, and a general lack of open conversation surrounding menstruation perpetuate the problem. Stigma often leads to silence, shame, and isolation.

• Myths and Misinformation: Deeply ingrained cultural beliefs (e.g., that menstruating individuals are "unclean" or cannot cook, touch certain objects, or attend religious ceremonies) are common in many regions.
• Shame and Isolation: Girls often feel ashamed of their periods and internalize the stigma, preventing them from seeking help, asking questions, or discussing their health needs openly.
• Silence: A lack of education for both boys and girls means the topic remains shrouded in secrecy, making it difficult to advocate for better facilities, products, and support systems within schools and communities.

By addressing these intertwined issues of poverty and stigma, our program aims to break these cycles of silence and disadvantage, ensuring every girl can manage her period with confidence and continue her education.
 

We are dedicated to providing the knowledge and tools necessary to manage menstrual health with dignity and confidence. Below you will find actionable resources you can use, download, and share, along with links to reputable external organizations that are also working to advance menstrual equity worldwide. 

 External Links

These are global Organizations that share a vision of ending period poverty and stigma. We encourage you to explore their work and learn more about the global movement.

• UNICEF - Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM): Provides extensive information, data, and reports on the global state of MHM, particularly in developing nations. Visit UNICEF (https://www.unicefusa.org/search?keyword=menstrual+hygiene&sort_by=score)
• The World Bank - Menstrual Health and Hygiene: Information on how improving sanitation infrastructure impacts menstrual hygiene and education outcomes globally. Visit the World Bank. https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/water/brief/menstrual-health-and-hygiene
• Global Menstrual Collective: A collective of organizations dedicated to driving progress on menstrual health and hygiene. Visit Global Menstrual Collective https://www.globalmenstrualcollective.org/