A Girl-Centred World is a #PeriodFriendlyWorld

Written by Natalie Tingo

In a world where girls' needs and perspectives on menstruation are not at the forefront, the onset of menstruation can be a very challenging process. In some communities, it becomes the end of their childhood when they are married off, while in others, it unfortunately leads to shame and, in extreme cases, the loss of life. In 2019, a teenage girl lost her life in Kenya through suicide after experiencing period shaming. Across the rural and cross-border communities that Msichana Empowerment Kuria works with, more than 80% of adolescent girls have experienced sexual exploitation, physical, and emotional abuse due to period poverty.

However, we know that menstruation is not merely a biological process; it's a fundamental aspect of their health and dignity. The title "A Girl-Centred World is a Period-Friendly World" encapsulates the essence of a crucial paradigm shift, where we prioritise girls' experiences and pave the way for a society where menstruation is not shrouded in shame or stigma but is understood, respected, and accommodated.

Understanding the Importance of Girl-Centred Approaches to Menstrual Care.

When we talk about menstruation, we're not just discussing bodily function; we're addressing a complex intersection of biology, culture, and social norms. In many societies in developing countries, such as India and other Southeast Asian countries, menstruation is surrounded by taboos and misconceptions, leading to discrimination and exclusion of girls. However, by placing girls at the center of the conversation, we acknowledge their unique experiences and challenges, fostering an environment where they feel empowered to manage their periods with confidence and dignity.

Breaking the Silence: Education and Awareness.

One of the most powerful tools in creating a period-friendly world is education. By providing spaces for comprehensive menstrual health education in schools and communities both offline and online, girls acquire the knowledge, skills, and support they need to understand their bodies and navigate menstruation with confidence. This education must be inclusive, addressing the needs of all girls, regardless of socioeconomic status or cultural background.

Access to Resources: Ensuring Equity for All.

In a period-friendly world, access to menstrual care products is not a luxury; it's a basic human right. Yet, far too many girls lack access to affordable and hygienic menstrual products, forcing them to resort to unsafe alternatives or miss out on essential activities like school or work. A UNESCO study found that one in 10 girls in sub-Saharan Africa missed school while on their period. In Kenya, it is estimated that girls lose an average of four days of school a month, which costs them 165 learning days over four years of high school. To address this issue, we must ensure that menstrual care products are readily available and affordable for all girls, regardless of their circumstances. This includes initiatives to provide, safe menstrual care facilities, high-quality biodegradable, reusable, free, or subsidized menstrual care products in schools, communities, and public spaces.

Creating Supportive Environments: Empowering Girls.

Empowering girls to advocate for their own menstrual health is crucial in creating a period-friendly world. By providing platforms for girls to share their experiences, voice their concerns, and drive change, we can ensure that policies and programs are tailored to meet their needs effectively. This empowerment should extend beyond menstruation itself, fostering a sense of agency and leadership that transcends all aspects of their lives.

Girl-Centred Menstrual Care in Action

To date, Msichana Empowerment Kuria has provided over 500,000 menstrual care essentials to 12,000 adolescent girls in rural and cross-border communities in Kenya. Through our walk-in and mobile school-based & village menstrual healthcare banks, we have developed an elaborate support and provision system where girls in Migori, Kisumu, and Homabay counties in Kenya can access safe menstrual care products and girl-friendly information during their menstruation. As a result, we have seen a direct impact on girls' retention and improved performance in school, which has contributed to other outcomes like a reduction in teen pregnancies and child marriage.

In conclusion, a girl-centred world is not just a utopian ideal; it's a tangible goal that we can work towards together. By prioritising girls' needs and perspectives, we can create a world where menstruation is no longer a source of shame or embarrassment but a natural and celebrated part of life. Through education, access to resources, and empowerment, we can build a future where every girl can manage her period safely, with confidence, and with dignity, contributing to a #PeriodFriendlyWorld.