The purpose of Menstrual Hygiene Day is to educate and raise awareness about menstruation. This is a time where non-profits, individuals, government agencies, private agencies, and the media advocate for a future where no one is held back because they menstruate by 2030.
Menstrual Hygiene Day is held on May 28 of every year after it was founded in 2014 by the German NGO WASH United.
How the menstrual hygiene movement started
In 2012, different organizations that were championing public health started a movement to break barriers on conversations about menstrual health across the globe.
This led to a 28-day social media campaign by WASH United in 2013.Their campaign focused on water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) as important considerations in promoting menstrual hygiene. After receiving positive feedback from their activity, the WASH advocates and partners decided to create a day for menstrual hygiene.
The first ever global menstrual hygiene day was held on May 28th, 2014, and it has been observed every year thereafter. The 28th of May is chosen because menstruation lasts an average of 5 days and the cycle last 28 days before it begins again.
What non-profits are doing to support this year’s menstrual hygiene day
Many non-profit organizations are visiting schools, orphanages, and the streets to teach girls and women about menstrual hygiene and offer period supplies.
These products range from reusable and non-reusable sanitary supplies to changing facilities for girls.
Final Words
Although the efforts to raise awareness about menstrual hygiene have been increasing as the years go by since its inception in 2013, more work needs to be done to reach more girls across the globe.
Sources : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Menstrual_Hygiene_Day
https://menstrualhygieneday.org/
