I. Overview:
Menstrual Hygiene Day (MH Day) is observed annually on May 28 to raise awareness about the importance of good menstrual hygiene management (MHM). Initiated by the German-based NGO WASH United in 2013, the first official MH Day was celebrated in 2014. The date, May 28, was chosen to symbolize the average 28-day menstrual cycle and the average 5-day duration of menstruation.
II. Significance of the Theme 2025:
The 2025 theme emphasizes collective action to create a world where menstruation is not a barrier to education, health, and opportunity. It calls for breaking taboos, ensuring access to menstrual products, and promoting period-friendly environments
III. What is Menstrual Hygiene Day?
Menstrual Hygiene Day serves as a global platform to advocate for:
- Education: Providing accurate information about menstruation to all genders.
- Access: Ensuring availability of affordable menstrual products.
- Facilities: Promoting clean and safe sanitation facilities.
- Policy: Integrating MHM into national health and education policies.
IV. Quick Facts about Menstrual Hygiene 💡
- Over 500 million women and girls worldwide lack adequate facilities for menstrual hygiene management.
- Every month, over 2 billion people menstruate, yet stigma and silence persist.
- Inadequate MHM leads to absenteeism among schoolgirls, affecting their academic performance.
- Lack of access to menstrual products can hinder women’s participation in the workforce.
- Disposable sanitary products contribute significantly to plastic waste.
V. A Brief History of Menstrual Hygiene Day:
2013: WASH United initiates the concept of MH Day.
2014: First official MH Day observed with participation from 155 partner organizations.
2015: Campaigns like #IfMenHadPeriods gain traction, challenging societal norms.
2020: Global partnerships expand, with over 1,000 organizations involved.
2025: The movement continues to grow, focusing on creating a #PeriodFriendlyWorld.
VI. How to Observe Menstrual Hygiene Day?:
- Educational Workshops: Organize sessions in schools and communities to educate about MHM.
- Product Drives: Collect and distribute menstrual products to those in need.
- Advocacy Campaigns: Use social media platforms to spread awareness using hashtags like #MHDay2025 and #PeriodFriendlyWorld.
- Policy Engagement: Advocate for policies that support menstrual health and hygiene.
- Art and Media: Create art, films, or literature that destigmatize menstruation.
🔗 References:
- https://www.menstrualhygieneday.org/
- https://www.unfpa.org/events/menstrual-hygiene-day
- https://www.cdc.gov/hygiene/about/menstrual-hygiene.html
- https://blogs.worldbank.org/en/opendata/observing-world-menstrual-hygiene-day–understanding-the-struggl
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