28 May: World Menstrual Hygiene Day – A Global Call to End the Silence

 28 May: World Menstrual Hygiene Day – A Global Call to End the Silence

What is Menstrual Hygiene Day?

Menstrual Hygiene Day (MH Day) is observed every year on May 28 to raise awareness about the importance of menstrual health and hygiene. Established by the German-based NGO WASH United in 2014, the day aims to break the silence, combat stigma, and promote access to menstrual products, education, and safe sanitation facilities for everyone who menstruates

Why May 28?

• 28 symbolizes the average length of t menstrual cycle (28 days)
• The 5th month (May) represents the average 5 days of bleeding per cycle

Why Menstrual Hygiene Matters

• Maintaining proper
  
  
  menstrual hygiene is crucial for:
• Preventing infections (e.g., urinary tract infections, bacterial vaginosis)
• Supporting reproductive health
• Promoting confidence and dignity
• Ensuring school attendance and participation
• Fostering workplace inclusion and public health

Yet, in many parts of the world, taboos, lack of access, and misinformation continue to create barriers.

Shocking Global Facts

1.  500 million people worldwide lack access to basic menstrual products and hygiene facilities.

2.  In low-income regions, 1 in 10 girls may miss school during menstruation.

3. Many still use unsafe materials like cloth, ash, or even newspaper.

4. Cultural stigma leads to silence, shame, and isolation.

5. Menstrual disorders and poor hygiene can lead to chronic infections, infertility, or worsened gynecological outcomes.

Common Menstrual Hygiene Challenges

1. Lack of Sanitary Products

• Unaffordable or unavailable pads, tampons, or menstrual cups
• Reliance on homemade or unhygienic alternatives

2. Inadequate Sanitation Facilities

• No clean water or private toilets in schools, homes, or workplaces

• No safe disposal systems for used menstrual products

3. Limited Education

• Girls often begin menstruation with no prior knowledge
• Myths such as: “Menstruating women are impure” still persis
• Boys and men remain excluded from awareness

How to Improve Menstrual Hygiene Awareness

✅ 1. Promote Education and Open Dialogue

• Include menstrual health in school curricula
• Normalize conversations in families, schools, and media

✅ 2. Increase Product Accessibility

• Subsidize or distribute free menstrual products

• Support innovation in eco-friendly options like menstrual cups and reusable pads

✅ 3. Build Inclusive WASH Infrastructure

• Ensure clean toilets with water and privacy in public places
• Provide safe disposal units and incinerators for pads

✅ 4. Break Myths and Cultural Taboos

• Involve men and boys in menstrual education
• Use platforms like social media, community radio, and health campaigns to spread facts

Theme of Menstrual Hygiene Day 2025

• “Together for a #PeriodFriendlyWorld”
• This year’s theme emphasizes collective action ,governments, schools, communities, and individuals all have a role in ensuring period dignity and access for all.

Role of Health Experts and Medical Community

• Gynecologists, nurses, and health educators can:
• Identify and treat menstrual disorders
• Educate patients about menstrual hygiene practices
• Address myths and cultural fears
• Promote regular checkups for menstrual irregularities or signs of infection

What You Can Do Today

🌸 As a Woman:

• Share your story to empower others

• Educate your daughters, nieces, and peers
• Switch to eco-friendly menstrual products

🧑‍⚕️ As a Health Professional:

• Conduct awareness sessions and school talks
• Publish educational content on social platforms
• Support NGOs and menstrual equity campaigns

🌍 As a Global Citizen:

• Donate to causes fighting period poverty
• Advocate for policy change
• Normalize open conversations about periods

Conclusion

• Menstrual hygiene is not a luxury , it's a basic human right. On May 28, let’s stand united to eliminate stigma, educate our communities, and ensure that no one is held back because of a natural biological process.
• Let’s make the world period-positive, inclusive, and informed ,one conversation at a time.

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