PERIOD POVERTY AND STIGMA
At the moment, about 500 million women and girls lack the resources needed to manage their periods in a way that is safe, sanitary, and free of the embarrassment of societal stigma.
Young feminist activists have been at the vanguard of grassroots campaigns and initiatives all over the world to address prejudice, taboos, gender inequity, and a lack of financial resources for menstrual hygiene products, including those led on social media.
It is critical to draw attention to the difficulties that exist and the best solutions when it comes to periods, as well as to raise awareness of the urgent need for a menstrual discourse that extends beyond the management of menstrual hygiene and is based on human rights.
When it comes to period poverty, many women and girls face an uphill battle. Periods may be both a joy and a curse. It's a blessing and a curse because it aids in the body's natural detoxification processes while also being out of our price range.
Period poverty is a shortage of period supplies, a clean and private restroom, a safe spot and someone to confide in, menstrual education, and research funding. Private restrooms, safety, and a confidante define period poverty. These factors reduce menstruation health research.
When they first start menstruating, many women and young girls experience feelings of embarrassment and fear. In addition, young women need to be taught the basics in order to eradicate the stigma that surrounds menstruation.
Due to a lack of knowledge and menstrual products, millions of girls throughout the world are unprepared for the onset of menstruation and do not know how to handle it in a healthy and clean way. Since menstruation is a necessary part of a woman's reproductive process, this is an issue.
The stigma and taboos surrounding menstruation have persisted for centuries, in large part due to the actions of males. Men need to take a stand and aid in ending this. By being allies to the women and girls around us and providing them with support, and by having open and polite conversations about menstruation.
Human rights are at stake in the discussion of menstruation. Menstruation is a biological event that occurs in the vast majority of women and girls at some point in their lives, yet it is still a source of stigma and shame for many.
Because of the stigma associated with menstruation and the limited tools that are currently available, maintaining menstrual health can be difficult for many women. The majority of the negative connotations surrounding menstruation are the result of outmoded gender roles and cultural expectations. The problem of menstruation is one that has implications for human rights. In addition, it poses a risk to both people's health and the expansion of the economy.
Those in charge of public policy and direct treatment in the field of menstrual health need to adopt a holistic, multi-sectoral approach to menstrual health that is founded on human rights if menstrual health and gender equality are ever going to be accomplished.
Combating harmful social norms and practises related to menstruation for women and girls, such as shame, discrimination, and unfavourable stereotypes, is an example of one of the many international rights obligations that must be met. This obligation is of the utmost importance and must be met. Menstruation is just one example of an important aspect of women's and girls' reproductive health that should be discussed and learned about in an environment free of intimidation, abuse, or discrimination. It is essential to emphasise the necessity of providing such an environment. When we preserve the health of menstruating women, we protect the rights and health of all people to make their own decisions regarding their sexuality and reproduction.
In the end, it is up to individuals, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and the government to ensure that everyone has access to the necessary medical care. This includes sexual and reproductive health care. Women, girls, and people who experience menstruation should have the opportunity to have their opinions, demands, priorities, needs, and choices prioritised by the government, citizens, and non-governmental organisations because they are the ones who know the most about their own lives. This is because they are the ones who experience menstruation.
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