Today is world menstrual hygiene day which was first commemorated in 2014. This day aims to empower women, stop viewing menstruation as a taboo, and stop stigmatization. Also, it aims and giving light on the solutions to the challenges women around the globe face.

Globally, at least 500 million women and girls lack proper access to menstrual hygiene facilities. Several factors influence difficult experiences with menstruation, including inadequate facilities and materials, menstrual pain, fear of disclosure, and inadequate knowledge about the menstrual cycle (World Bank 2018). 

This year’s Menstruation Hygiene Day theme encourages us all to be better advocates for the women and girls we serve through our development programs. By raising awareness of Menstrual Hygiene Management, we cannot only contribute to breaking down harmful norms and taboos but also create stronger, gender-sensitive, and inclusive programs that empower women and girls to realize their full potential.

In Kenya, 65% of women use homemade hygiene products, and 60% lack adequate sanitation facilities outside the home. 32.5% of girls report no knowledge of menstruation before their first period. Lack of menstrual hygiene education, stigma, limited product access, and poor sanitation infrastructure undermine opportunities for girls and women worldwide.

The theme of Menstrual Hygiene Day this year—It’s Time for Action—not only emphasizes the importance of Menstrual Hygiene Management but also urges everyone to take action and empower women to reach their full potential. It is critically important for the achievement of global development agendas.

In line with this year’s theme, stand up and be counted as someone who helped a lady comfortably menstruate. With the pandemic, the situation is exuberated for women around the globe making use of unclean means to deal with menses. Get to read here of ways you can participate in making menstruation bearable for women around the globe who cannot access proper.