Dear Volunteer,
We are excited to share the highlights from our recent virtual event held today, on the 1st of June 2023, where we discussed the negative consequences of menstruation taboos and stigma, and strategies for making menstruation a normal fact by 2030. Our esteemed guest speakers and volunteers provided valuable insights and actionable steps to break the stigma and create a more inclusive society. Here's a recap of the event:
Press Play Listen to A Sneak of Our Conversation Below:
Negative Consequences of Menstruation Taboos and Stigma:
Isolation and Rejection: Menstruation taboos can lead to isolation and a feeling of rejection among menstruating individuals.
Low School Attendance: Stigma around menstruation often results in low school attendance, especially among young girls.
Low Self-Esteem: Menstruation taboos can contribute to low self-esteem and a negative body image among menstruating individuals.
Strategies for Making Menstruation a Normal Fact by 2030:
Blessing Archibong, Guest Speaker:
Raising male advocates; encouraging young boys and girls to have open conversations about menstruation in a positive and respectful way.
Prioritizing beneficiaries' voices, demands, and needs when designing programs.
Encouraging young boys to denounce period shaming and stigma through education and empathy.
Developing policies promoting zero tolerance for bullying related to menstruation.
Comfort Ichaba, Usave Foundation Volunteer:
Stressing the need for safe toilets and facilities, particularly in underserved communities, to ensure dignity and comfort for menstruating individuals at work and in school.
Highlighting the importance of creating safe spaces at work and in school, with provisions such as hot water and herbal tea, to support individuals during their periods.
Olúwáfúnmitọ́ Adétáyò, Fellow at Teach For Nigeria, Volunteer:
Recommending the development of a full, unified, and comprehensive curriculum on menstrual education, to be taught by both male and female teachers in schools.
Emphasizing the importance of engaging with parents and the wider community to teach young girls and boys that menstruation is a normal fact of life.
Suggesting the introduction of sustainable menstrual products such as period pants/underwear as an innovative solution to promote a positive menstrual experience.
Project Coordinator, USave Foundation:
Advocating for the creation of menstrual hygiene management tools as a skill as common as braiding hair, to be taught irrespective of gender.
Other Strategies:
Including menstrual products in first aid boxes, recognizing that emergencies can arise for first-time menstruators.
Using social media to raise awareness about menstruation as a normal fact of life.
Sparking one on one discussions among peers, and family members to influence positive behavioral change.
We hope these highlights inspire you to take action and contribute to our mission of menstrual equity and empowerment. Together, we can break the stigma and create a more inclusive and period-positive world.
Thank you for your continued support!
Best regards,
Dede Israel,
Communications Manager.
USave Foundation.
I love this topic, more awareness needs to be raised about menstrual health and safety, especially to the younger girls in rural and suburban areas.