In commemoration of World Menstrual Hygiene Day, the Amplifying Rights Network joined other rights groups around the world to raise awareness on Menstrual Hygiene Management. According Amplifying Rights Network, promoting open conversations and education about menstruation, will not only challenge the harmful norms and promote open conversations and education about menstruation, but also help to empower individuals to embrace their bodies and menstrual cycles with pride.
In many parts of the world, menstruation continues to be a significant barrier to education, work, and social participation for individuals who menstruate. Lack of access to menstrual products, sanitation facilities, and menstrual health education disproportionately affects marginalized communities, including girls and women in low-income countries.
Activities marking the commemoration of the day included awareness raising activities in over ten elementary, junior and senior high schools in Montserrado, Margibi, and Bong Counties.
One of the primary objectives of World Menstrual Hygiene Day is to break the stigma and silence surrounding menstruation. In Liberia, menstruation is still considered a taboo topic, leading to discrimination, shame, and misinformation.
Speaking on livestream social media engagement, the chair of the Amplifying Rights Network Madam Naomi Tulay Solanke said maintaining good menstrual hygiene is essential for the health and well-being of individuals who menstruate. She added that poor menstrual hygiene practices can lead to various health issues, including infections, rashes, and discomfort. Madam Solanke called on the Government of Liberia to prioritize removing import taxes and tariffs from all sanitary products brought into the country. “currently we are at the capitol building to present a petition to the lawmakers to consider a bill removing taxes from menstrual hygiene products” madam Solanke disclosed.
Madam Nelly Cooper also added that through awareness-raising campaigns and educational initiatives, about World Menstrual Hygiene Day will encourage people to adopt proper hygiene practices, such as using clean and safe menstrual products, washing hands regularly, and accessing proper sanitation facilities.
Atty Facia B. Harris also encourage men to join in the celebration by supporting their wives, daughters and other females in their lives. She noted that World Menstrual Hygiene Day plays a vital role in empowering individuals to manage their menstrual health effectively. “By providing access to accurate information, resources, and support, this day helps individuals make informed choices about menstrual hygiene products and practices Atty Harris concluded.
Empowerment through knowledge and awareness enables individuals to take control of their menstrual health and break free from the limitations imposed by societal taboos and myths.
Schools visited today include the Newport junior high school, Paynesville Community High School, Gibrata Community School, Bishop Rachards High School, Smythe School of the Deaf, The Light House Academy amongst others.
Speaking on period poverty, most of the students express disappointment on the increase prices of sanitary products in the country. The students were sad that the government is doing nothing to reduce the prices on sanitary products. Casualine David an 11th grade student at the Bishop Richards Wise High School in Lower Margibi County said a lot of adolescent girls can not afford to but a pack of sanitary pad which is 250.00 Liberian Dollar “ if you have only 300.00LD and you have to buy a pack of pad for 250.00LD how do you eat? Miss David asked.
At the end of the awareness raising, sanitary products were amongst adolescent girls in the different schools.
As part of the activities, the Amplifying Rights Network also initiated a livestream conversation on menstrual hygiene management and menopause.
World Menstrual Hygiene Day, celebrated annually on May 28th, serves as a crucial platform to raise awareness about menstrual hygiene management and break the silence and taboos surrounding menstruation. It is a powerful reminder of the importance of menstrual hygiene management in promoting health, dignity, and gender equality. The day is to also push for policy changes, investments in menstrual health infrastructure, and the prioritization of menstrual hygiene in schools and public spaces. By breaking taboos, promoting awareness, and empowering individuals, this day contributes to creating a world where menstruation is no longer a barrier but a natural and celebrated aspect of life.
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