Every year on May 28th, people around the world come together to celebrate Menstrual Hygiene Day (MHD). This global movement aims to break the silence, raise awareness, and change negative social norms surrounding menstrual health. At Ivy Cup, we believe that menstruation should never be a barrier to anyone’s well-being, education, or empowerment. That’s why we are dedicated to championing menstrual hygiene through education, advocacy, and innovative products.
This year, we marked Menstrual Hygiene Day with two impactful campaigns—one online and one physical event at a secondary school. Our goal was to spread knowledge, encourage open conversations, and provide practical solutions to menstrual health challenges. Let’s dive right into the significance of Menstrual Hygiene Day, the issues it addresses, and how our contributions are making a difference.
Understanding Menstrual Hygiene Day
The date May 28th was chosen symbolically, representing the average menstrual cycle of 28 days and the average duration of menstruation of five days, underscoring the constant and universal nature of menstruation. The goals of Menstrual Hygiene Day are multifaceted:
- Raising Awareness: Educating people about the importance of menstrual hygiene management and its impact on health, education, and overall well-being.
- Changing Social Norms: Challenging and breaking down harmful taboos and stigmas associated with menstruation to foster a supportive and open environment for women and girls.
- Advocating for Policy Change: Encouraging governments and organizations to prioritize menstrual health in their policies and programs, ensuring access to menstrual hygiene products and education.
- Empowerment and Education: Menstrual Hygiene Day promotes education about menstruation, which is crucial for breaking down myths and misconceptions. Educated individuals can make informed choices about their menstrual health, leading to greater empowerment and confidence.
- Economic and Social Impact: Access to affordable menstrual hygiene products and facilities can improve attendance and performance at work and school. This, in turn, supports economic growth and social equality by enabling women and girls to participate fully in society without the hindrance of menstrual stigma or discomfort.
Challenges Addressed by Menstrual Hygiene Day
- Stigma and Taboos: Menstruation is often surrounded by shame and secrecy, leading to bullying, embarrassment and isolation.
- Lack of Access to Menstrual Products: Many people cannot afford or access safe menstrual hygiene products.
- Insufficient Education: A lack of menstrual health education perpetuates myths and hinders informed decisions.
- Impact on Education and Empowerment: Menstrual issues can cause students to miss school or drop out.
- Inadequate Sanitation Facilities: The absence of private toilets and clean water makes managing periods difficult and unhygienic.
How Ivy Cup is Helping
Last year, we marked Menstrual Hygiene Day with two impactful campaigns—one online and one physical event at a secondary school. Here’s a look at how we contributed to promoting menstrual health and hygiene:
Online Campaign
Our online campaign aimed to reach a wide audience through engaging and informative content:
- Social Media Engagement: We used our social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to share educational posts, videos, and infographics about menstrual hygiene. Our content included facts, tips, and myth-busting information to raise awareness and encourage open discussions.
- Hashtag Campaign: Using the hashtag #MenstrualHygieneDay, we invited our followers to share their stories and experiences related to menstruation. This created a supportive and inclusive online community.
- Live Q&A Sessions: We hosted live Q&A sessions with menstrual health and women’s health experts who answered questions and provided valuable insights. These sessions were well-attended and helped demystify many aspects of menstrual health.
The online campaign was a resounding success, with thousands of engagements, shares, and positive feedback from our community.
Physical Campaign at a Secondary School
Our physical campaign focused on direct engagement and education at a local secondary school:
- Workshops and Educational Sessions: We conducted interactive workshops where students learned about menstrual hygiene, the menstrual cycle, and the importance of using safe menstrual products. These sessions were designed to be engaging and informative, with plenty of opportunities for questions and discussions.
- Empowerment Activities: We organized activities that encouraged students to share their thoughts and experiences about menstruation. These activities helped break down stigmas and foster a supportive environment.
- Feedback and Impact: The response from students and teachers was overwhelmingly positive. Many students expressed gratitude for the knowledge and products they received, and teachers noted an increase in confidence and openness among the students.
Looking Forward
We are committed to continuing our efforts in promoting menstrual hygiene and education. Here are some of our future plans and how you can get involved:
Future Plans and Initiatives
- Expanded Educational Programs: We plan to conduct more workshops and educational sessions in schools and communities to spread awareness and knowledge about menstrual hygiene.
- Product Accessibility: We aim to increase the distribution of our menstrual cups and hygiene kits to underserved areas, ensuring everyone has access to safe menstrual products.
- Advocacy and Policy Work: We will continue to advocate for policies that support menstrual health and hygiene, working with governments and organizations to bring about lasting change.
How You Can Get Involved or Support the Cause
- Join Our Community: Follow us on social media to stay updated on our latest initiatives and campaigns. Share our posts to help spread awareness.
- Donate: Consider donating to support our educational programs and product distribution efforts. Every contribution helps us reach more people and make a bigger impact. Donate here.
- Volunteer: If you’re passionate about menstrual health, join us as a volunteer. Your time and skills can make a significant difference in our campaigns and initiatives. Reach out to us via email.