Essential Needs

Menstrual Wellness and Hygiene

The onset of menstruation is one of the most important changes that occur among girls during their adolescent years. The first menstruation occurs between 9 and 16 years of age.

Adolescent girls, especially those who live below the poverty line, constitute a vulnerable group.  Even today, menstruation is still regarded as dirty and unclean. Young women’s reaction to menstruation depends on their awareness and knowledge of the subject. How women come learn about menstruation and its associated changes may impact on her response to it. Although menstruation is a natural process, it is linked to several misconceptions and practices, which sometimes result in adverse health conditions, such as urinary tract infections, menorrhagia, and depression.

Hygiene’s during menstruation is an unavoidable concern for a woman. On any giving day, 300 million girls and women worldwide are menstruating. In total, an estimated 500 million girls and young women across the globe lack access to menstrual products and adequate facilities for menstrual hygiene management.

“Poverty is the main reason that preventing girls and young women from having access to mentrual products.

Poor menstrual hygiene can pose physical health risks and has been linked to reproductive and urinary tract infections. Many girls and young women have limited options for affordable menstrual products.

Lacking those basic essential items can result in embarrassment, loneliness, fear, anxiety, low self-esteem, and lack of confidence.

Many girls do not have a complete and accurate understanding of menstruation as a normal biological process. Educating girls -and boys-on menstruation builds confidence, contributes to social solidarity, and encourages healthy habits.