A Holistic Approach to Breaking the Silence and Driving Sustainable Change
Menstruation is a natural biological process, yet for many girls, women, and other menstruating individuals, it continues to be shrouded in stigma, misinformation, and limited access to essential resources. Overcoming these challenges requires a multifaceted approach that addresses the complex interplay of cultural, economic, and infrastructural barriers.
Shattering the Silence: Awareness, Education, and Community Engagement
Across the globe, efforts to normalize menstruation and empower individuals to manage their health with dignity are gaining momentum. The annual World Menstrual Hygiene Day (WMHD) celebration, initiated by the WASH United in 2013, has become a powerful platform for advocacy and education.
In 2023, the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) in Hohoe, Ghana, hosted a three-day WMHD event that brought together a diverse array of stakeholders, including basic school teachers, school children, health officers, academicians, university students, media representatives, and civil society members. The event aimed to create awareness, dispel myths, and foster open discussions about menstruation.
“The walk was intended to raise awareness and incite conversations about menstruation as a means of normalizing it,” explained one of the event organizers. “We made stops at markets, shops, schools, and homes to provide simple, understandable facts about menstruation, with the goal of increasing knowledge and dispelling myths and misconceptions.”
Complementing the community outreach, a radio program reached an even broader audience, covering topics such as the biological aspects of menstruation, the significance of nutrition, sociocultural influences, and the impact on mental health. By tailoring the content to foster comprehension and challenge societal taboos, the program played a crucial role in diminishing the social stigma associated with menstruation.
“The radio program was designed to reach a wider audience within the frequency reach of the radio stations, potentially reaching over 100,000 listeners across two sessions amounting to 4 hours,” the organizer noted. “The talk covered key issues to foster understanding, confront societal taboos, and diminish the social stigma associated with menstruation.”
Addressing Menstrual Product Insecurity and Sustainability
Alongside raising awareness, the UHAS event also focused on addressing the challenge of menstrual product insecurity, or “period poverty.” The organizers recognized the need for sustainable solutions, leading them to incorporate a hands-on training session on the production of reusable pads.
“Training girls to make reusable pads could address menstrual product insecurity and promote sustainability,” the organizer emphasized. “The intervention was conducted in Hohoe, a municipality in the Volta Region of Ghana, which encompasses a blend of urban and rural areas.”
The practical capacity-building activity aimed to empower girls aged 10-17 with valuable skills while promoting sustainable menstrual hygiene practices. Prizes were incorporated into the workshop to encourage active participation and motivate the learning process.
“Our practical sessions to provide capacity building on reusable menstrual products proved feasible and harnesses the potential advantages of reusable products,” the organizer noted.
Transforming the Landscape: Addressing Infrastructural Gaps and Cultural Norms
Improving menstrual health and hygiene requires more than just product availability; it also necessitates addressing infrastructural gaps and deep-rooted cultural norms. The WMHD event in Hohoe highlighted the importance of engaging traditional community leaders and fostering a supportive environment for menstruating individuals.
“The design of the symposium was such that it recognized the influence of traditional leaders in improving menstruation-related discussions, hence their inclusion,” the organizer explained. “Traditional community entry procedures were strictly adhered to during the process of inviting traditional council members. This approach acknowledges the authority of community leaders and their essential role in driving positive change.”
The symposium featured rigorous presentations and discussions on the biological mechanisms of the menstrual cycle, the role of nutrition, sociocultural aspects, and the connection between menstruation and mental health. By involving diverse stakeholders, including reproductive health practitioners, the event created a platform for in-depth exploration and dialogue.
“The symposium, segmented into two sessions and lasting 8 hours, featured a diverse group of participants, including both male and female students, teachers from over 10 basic schools in Hohoe, community stakeholders (opinion leaders) such as the chiefs, elders, and queen mothers of the traditional area, population and behavioral science experts, reproductive health experts, food and nutrition scientists, and faculty members of the University of Health and Allied Sciences, making about 250 participants,” the organizer shared.
Fostering a Supportive Environment: Engaging Men and Challenging Gender Norms
Traditionally, cultural norms have surrounded menstruation with taboos that exclude men from discussions and awareness initiatives. However, the WMHD event in Hohoe signaled a progressive shift, with men actively participating in the activities.
“Traditionally, cultural norms have surrounded menstruation with taboos that exclude men from discussions and awareness initiatives,” the organizer noted. “However, a notable change is occurring as more men express a willingness to actively engage in conversations around menstruation, challenging existing societal barriers.”
The involvement of men in the WMHD event, including their participation in all the activities, indicates a shared responsibility in managing menstrual hygiene. Their open dialogue and participation could contribute to dispelling myths and misconceptions, fostering a more informed and supportive community.
“Participating in all the activities of WMHD 2023 indicates that men’s involvement extends beyond personal understanding; it could translate into roles as supportive partners, fathers, and family members,” the organizer explained. “Through active participation in menstruation education, men could contribute to creating a positive environment at home and challenging traditional gender norms.”
Overcoming Challenges and Driving Sustainable Change
While the WMHD event in Hohoe showcased a multifaceted approach to promoting menstrual health and hygiene, the organizers also acknowledged the challenges that come with implementing such initiatives.
“The diverse cultural landscape surrounding menstruation introduces varying beliefs and taboos that could impact the acceptance of alternative menstrual hygiene products,” the organizer stated. “Understanding the intricate tinges of cultural perspectives is critical in this sense. To optimize use, community engagement is essential to gather direct insights from users and address specific cultural barriers.”
Additionally, the initial cost associated with acquiring the materials for reusable pads could pose a barrier, especially in low-income communities. “While they offer long-term savings, the upfront investment may pose a barrier,” the organizer noted. “Hygiene concerns may also arise as ensuring proper hygiene with reusable pads involves regular washing and maintenance.”
To address these challenges, the organizers emphasized the importance of continued research, policy advocacy, and community-driven approaches. “Research efforts would be helpful to identify optimum materials and guidelines to ensure both the effectiveness and safety of reusable options,” the organizer suggested. “Also, addressing educational gaps regarding proper usage and maintenance is central to maximizing the benefits of reusable options.”
Through the WMHD event in Hohoe, the organizers demonstrated the power of a holistic, community-driven approach to promoting menstrual health and hygiene. By combining awareness-raising, capacity building, infrastructure improvements, and gender-inclusive engagement, they have paved the way for a more inclusive and supportive environment for menstruating individuals.
As the global community works towards the Sustainable Development Goal of making menstruation a normal fact of life by 2030, the insights and lessons from Hohoe serve as a powerful testament to the transformative impact of collaborative, multisectoral efforts. By continuing to prioritize menstrual health and hygiene, we can unlock the full potential of women, girls, and all menstruating individuals, empowering them to thrive in all aspects of their lives.
Conclusion
The World Menstrual Hygiene Day celebration in Hohoe, Ghana, showcased a comprehensive approach to promoting menstrual health and hygiene. By combining awareness-raising activities, capacity-building workshops, and community engagement initiatives, the organizers aimed to break the silence surrounding menstruation, challenge cultural taboos, and address the multifaceted challenges faced by menstruating individuals.
The event’s emphasis on incorporating reusable menstrual products, engaging traditional community leaders, and fostering male involvement demonstrated a holistic strategy to create a more supportive and inclusive environment. While the organizers acknowledged the ongoing challenges, they highlighted the importance of continued research, policy advocacy, and community-driven solutions to drive sustainable change.
As the global community works towards the Sustainable Development Goal of making menstruation a normal fact of life by 2030, the insights and lessons from Hohoe serve as a powerful example of the transformative impact that can be achieved through collaborative, multisectoral efforts. By prioritizing menstrual health and hygiene, we can unlock the full potential of women, girls, and all menstruating individuals, empowering them to thrive in all aspects of their lives.
