In this article, we examine major sustainable sanitary options, shedding light on the positive impact they have on improving menstrual health, dignity, and equality for girls and women.

Sustainable Menstrual Products

The following are major menstrual products that are sustainable, save cost, and easily accessible:

• Reusable Sanitary Pads: Made from absorbent fabric layers, such as cotton or bamboo, these pads are designed to be washed and reused multiple times, significantly reducing waste compared to single-use options. They typically feature a soft, comfortable top layer, an absorbent core, and a waterproof backing to prevent leaks. They come in various sizes and absorbency levels to accommodate different flow levels, and many of them have wings with snaps to secure them in place on underwear, providing a comfortable and reliable fit.

After use, reusable sanitary pads can be washed by hand or in a washing machine, making them a cost-effective option over time. Additionally, reusable pads are often free from synthetic chemicals and fragrances, making them a healthier choice for those with sensitive skin.

• Menstrual Cups: Made from medical-grade silicone, rubber, or latex, these flexible, bell-shaped cups are inserted into the vagina to collect menstrual fluid rather than absorb it. Unlike disposable products, menstrual cups are reusable and can last several years with proper care, making them an eco-friendly and cost-effective option.

They come in various sizes to suit different body types and flow levels, and once inserted, they can be worn for up to 12 hours before needing to be emptied, rinsed, and reinserted. By reducing waste and lowering the ongoing cost of menstrual management, menstrual cups offer a practical solution for both individuals and the environment.

Sustainable Sanitation Infrastructure

In addition to innovative menstrual hygiene products, sustainable sanitation infrastructure plays a crucial role in addressing period poverty. In many communities, lack of access to clean water, private toilets, and proper waste management facilities exacerbates the challenges of managing menstruation safely and hygienically.

Investing in sustainable sanitation infrastructure, such as community toilets with washing facilities and waste disposal systems, can help improve menstrual hygiene management and ensure that women and girls have the resources they need to maintain their dignity and health. By prioritizing menstrual hygiene within broader efforts to improve water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services, governments, NGOs, and international organizations can make significant strides toward eliminating period poverty and promoting gender equality.

Notable Organizations Providing Solutions

Several organizations are leading the charge in providing innovative solutions for period poverty. Here are a few examples:

Flo Haven: This non-profit organization advocates for menstrual equity by providing eco-friendly, reusable menstrual products and educational resources to underserved communities. 

AFRIpads: This Kenyan social enterprise manufactures and distributes reusable sanitary pads made from locally sourced materials.

The Cup Foundation: This organization works to make menstrual cups accessible and affordable for women and girls globally.

WASH United: This organization focuses on creating sustainable sanitation infrastructure and promoting menstrual hygiene management in underprivileged communities.

Summing Up

Innovations in menstrual hygiene offer promising solutions for addressing period poverty and improving the lives of women and girls around the world. From affordable reusable sanitary pads to menstrual cups and sustainable sanitation infrastructure, these innovations empower women and girls to manage their periods safely, affordably, and with dignity. 

By prioritizing menstrual hygiene within broader efforts to promote gender equality and sustainable development, we can create a world where every woman and girl has the resources they need to manage their periods with dignity and confidence.

The post Sustainable Solutions for Menstrual Hygiene first appeared on Kle Design Studio.

In this article, we explore the cultural and social dimensions of period stigma, its impact on girls’ self-esteem, the importance of open conversations, and the initiatives dedicated to breaking the taboo and creating a world where menstruation is recognized and respected as the natural biological process it is.

Cultural Norms and Misconceptions about Menstruation

Cultural norms and taboos play a significant role in perpetuating the stigma surrounding periods. Myths and misconceptions abound, painting menstruation as dirty, unholy, or even weakening. In some cultures, girls are ostracized or forced to miss school during their period. Others may have restrictions placed on them regarding cooking, religious practices, or even touching certain objects. These practices are not only rooted in misinformation but also contribute to feelings of shame and discrimination.

The stigma surrounding periods also intersects with issues of gender inequality. In societies where menstruation is considered shameful, girls and women may be viewed as less capable or unclean during their periods. This reinforces gender stereotypes and hinders their ability to participate fully in society.

The Cost of Silence: Shame and Low Self-Esteem

Imagine a young girl experiencing her first period, confused, scared, and lacking the knowledge and confidence to talk about it openly. This lack of open communication breeds feelings of shame, isolation, and low self-esteem. Without access to accurate information and a safe space for discussion, girls may feel unclean or ostracized, hindering their ability to fully participate in daily life.

The silence doesn’t stop with individuals. School environments often lack proper resources and support for menstruating girls. Fear of leaks, inadequate bathroom facilities, and a general lack of understanding from teachers can lead to girls missing school, falling behind academically, and internalizing the stigma. This can have a long-term impact on their education and future opportunities.

Breaking the Stigma through Open Conversations and Education

The key to dismantling the stigma surrounding periods lies in open conversation and adequate education. We need to normalize discussions about periods, both at home and in public spaces. These can be specifically achieved by taking the following actions:

• Empowering Parents and Educators:

Parents play a crucial role in normalizing periods for their children. Open and honest conversations about menstruation should begin early, even before a girl experiences her first period. Educational materials and workshops can equip parents with the knowledge and tools to have these conversations comfortably and effectively.

Educators also have a vital role to play. Schools should incorporate menstrual health education into their curriculum, providing accurate information about menstruation and dispelling myths. This education should be inclusive, addressing issues like period poverty and different cultural perspectives.

• Creating Safe Spaces:

Healthcare professionals can be valuable resources for girls and women experiencing difficulties or anxieties around menstruation. They can help create safe and judgment-free environments where girls can ask questions and receive accurate information regarding their periods.

Broadening the Conversation

While innovative products play a crucial role, dismantling the stigma requires a multi-pronged approach. Educating boys and men about menstruation can foster a more supportive environment and break down gender stereotypes. Additionally, advocating for policies that prioritize menstrual health infrastructure and product accessibility in underserved communities is essential for lasting change.

A Call to Action: Breaking the Stigma Together

Breaking the taboo surrounding periods is a collective effort. Here’s what we can all do:

• Talk Openly: Start conversations with friends, family, and colleagues. Share accurate information and challenge negative stereotypes. Normalize using the correct terminology for periods and menstrual products.
• Advocate for Change: Support organizations working to address period poverty and menstrual health education. Donate or volunteer your time to raise awareness and contribute to solutions.
• Hold Media Accountable: Speak out against media portrayals that reinforce negative stereotypes about periods. Look for and support positive representations that normalize menstruation.
• Educate Yourself and Others: Stay informed about the latest developments in menstrual health research and initiatives. Share this knowledge with others and encourage open discussions.

By working together, we can create a world where menstruation is no longer a source of shame or a barrier to opportunity. We can empower girls and women to manage their periods with dignity and confidence, allowing them to participate fully in all aspects of life.

The post Breaking the Stigma Around Menstruation first appeared on Kle Design Studio.

As the days draw near, Mariam feels a familiar sense of dread creeping into her heart. With no access to menstrual hygiene products and no means to afford them, she would resort to using scraps of old cloth, scavenged from the depths of her wardrobe, to stem the flow of blood that threatened to betray her secret to the world. To further cope, she would intentionally skip school on those days, for fear of leaks from the menstruation, which she now considered as a heavy burden.

Mariam is not alone in cases like this. Many like her, all over the world, also grapple with the harsh realities of lacking access to safe and hygienic menstrual products and sanitation facilities during that time of the month – a struggle referred to as Period Poverty.

Each month, half of the world’s female population, estimated at 1.9 billion individuals, experience menstruation. However, a large number of them don’t have the needed care and resources for this monthly period. According to the World Bank, an estimated 500 million women and girls lack access to menstrual products and adequate facilities for menstrual hygiene management.

For many women and girls around the world, menstruation isn’t just a biological process, but a battle for basic dignity and equality. It’s a harsh reality for millions who juggle the fear of leaks, the sting of infections, and the constant worry of social stigma.

A common misconception is that period poverty is only faced by Africa and other areas of the developing world. It will intrigue you to know that even countries that are considered “first world” still struggle. [In Great Britain, one in eight people find it difficult to purchase products for their menstrual cycle. In the United States, a recent study demonstrated that nearly one in five girls miss school during their period or know someone who does.

So, period poverty is a global issue that requires the attention of all relevant stakeholders across the world. This article aims to shed light on the issue of period poverty, its impact on women and girls, and the urgent need for action to ensure menstrual equity for all.

Understanding Period Poverty

Period poverty refers to the lack of access to menstrual hygiene products, adequate sanitation facilities, and education about menstruation. It disproportionately affects women and girls in low-income communities, where cultural taboos, social stigma, and economic factors compound the challenges of managing menstruation safely and with dignity.

The Detrimental Effects of Period Poverty

1. Health Risks: Lack of access to proper menstrual hygiene products can lead to unhygienic practices like reusing sanitary pads or using improvised materials like rags, which increases the risk of infections such as urinary tract infections (UTIs) and reproductive tract infections (RTIs). These infections can have long-term health consequences if left untreated.
2. Mental Health Impact: Living in period poverty can have significant psychological effects, including stress, anxiety, and low self-esteem. The constant worry about managing menstruation without adequate resources can take a toll on mental well-being and contribute to depression and other mental health disorders.
3. Education Disruption: Period poverty often leads to missed school days for girls, as they may feel embarrassed or uncomfortable attending school while menstruating. This can have long-term consequences on their academic performance and future opportunities.
4. Economic Disadvantage: Women and girls who lack access to menstrual hygiene products may face challenges in participating fully in economic activities, including employment, entrepreneurship, and income-generating opportunities. The financial burden of purchasing menstrual hygiene products can also strain household budgets, particularly in low-income communities where every penny counts,

Addressing Period Poverty

1. Improving Access to Menstrual Hygiene Products: Efforts should be made to ensure that affordable and accessible menstrual hygiene products, such as sanitary pads or menstrual cups, are available to women and girls in need. This may involve subsidizing the cost of these products or providing them for free through government programs or non-profit organizations.
2. Promoting Menstrual Health Education: Comprehensive menstrual health education is essential for breaking the silence and stigma surrounding menstruation. Educating women, girls, and communities about menstrual hygiene, reproductive health, and the importance of menstrual equity can help empower individuals to manage their periods safely and confidently.
3. Advocating for Policy Changes: Governments and policymakers must recognize menstruation as a basic human right and prioritize the needs of women and girls in their policies and programs. This includes ensuring access to clean and safe sanitation facilities, as well as integrating menstrual hygiene management into broader health and education initiatives.

Conclusion

Ensuring menstrual hygiene and providing access to menstrual products must be viewed as fundamental human rights rather than luxuries. No young woman should face the uncertainty of missing school days due to her period, nor should any be unable to sit for an exam simply because she lacks the means to afford sanitary pads. Period poverty is a stark reminder of the inequalities that persist in our societies, and it is imperative that we address it with urgency and compassion.

By improving access to menstrual hygiene products, promoting menstrual health education, and advocating for policy changes, we can work towards achieving menstrual equity for all women and girls, regardless of their socio-economic background. 

While organizations like The Sanitary Aid Initiative, Flo Haven, and ours – KLE Foundation are helping to tackle this challenge, more hands are needed to eradicate period poverty completely.  It will require collective action and commitment from individuals, communities, and governments to create a world where period poverty is a thing of the past. Together, we can create a future where every woman and girl has access to the menstrual hygiene products and education they need to thrive and be their best selves at any given period in time.

P.S: This article is part of the KLE Foundation‘s initiative, in partnership with Flo Haven Organization, to raise awareness and promote education about menstrual hygiene. Our joint mission is to support and empower underprivileged communities by providing access to essential menstrual products and health education. Together, we can make a difference in ensuring menstrual health and dignity for all.

The post Addressing Period Poverty: Ensuring Menstrual Equity for Women and Girls first appeared on Kle Design Studio.