Experts call for accelerating efforts to eradicate menstrual poverty

Experts have called on authorities and stakeholders to accelerate efforts to eradicate menstrual poverty in Bangladesh.

They made the call during the National Dialogue on Menstrual Health and Hygiene organised by the Local Government Division, Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives, in partnership with UNFPA, UNICEF, Global Affairs Canada and Menstrual Health and Management Platform.

The event took place at Bangabandhu International Conference Center in Dhaka on Sunday, reads a press statement.

Over 150 representatives from different sectors attended the event and urged authorities to protect the rights and dignity of women and girls.

Muhammad Ibrahim, secretary of the Local Government Division, Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives (MoLGRD&C) attended the event as the chief guest.

Kristine Blokhus, UNFPA Representative, and Sheldon Yett, UNICEF Representative were special special guests at the programme.

The dialogue focused on the theme of ‘Choice’ and explored the availability, accessibility, affordability, and quality of menstrual products, education and accountability mechanisms.

During the event, Kristine Blokhus, UNFPA Representative, stressed the significance of providing accurate information about menstruation, and reproductive health. She also emphasised the need to ensure the availability of menstrual products to empower girls in making informed decisions about their bodies, health, and well-being.

As the chief guest, Muhammad Ibrahim, Secretary, Local Government Division, MoLGRD&C, highlighted the significance of promoting menstrual hygiene management, providing sanitary pads in schools, and educating about menstrual health.

He emphasised that these efforts foster inclusivity and empower women and girls to take charge of their well-being.

Ibrahim also stressed on the need to create a stigma-free environment that encourages open discussions about women’s natural cycles and their menstrual needs.

Sheldon Yett, UNICEF Representative, spoke about the importance of gender-separated toilets in schools to empower girls to manage their menstruation safely and without shame or fear.

He stated that every girl must have access to safe period products as well as information about puberty and menstruation.

“Continuing the national dialogues each year with different dimensions is vital,” stressed Masaki Watabe, UNFPA Deputy Representative, while summarizing the event.

He emphasised the need to address multiple dimensions of menstrual health and tackle obstacles comprehensively.

“By keeping the conversation alive, we ensure that menstrual health remains a part of policy discussions and therefore everyday life in the community,” he said.

Providing women and girls with comprehensive education in all settings, adequate sanitation facilities, a choice of menstrual products, and an emotionally and physically supportive environment is essential to ensure safe and dignified menstrual experiences.

According to the press statement, the National dialogue on Menstrual Health and Hygiene will continue to serve as a platform for stakeholders to collaborate and share knowledge, with the aim of eradicating menstrual poverty in Bangladesh by 2030. According to the National Hygiene Survey in 2018, conducted by Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS), 97 per cent of women had a place to wash and change during periods.

However, only 32 per cent knew about menstruation before they had it, and 30 percent used disposable sanitary napkins. School absenteeism of girl students due to a lack of proper menstrual hygiene facilities, for three days per month on average, was 40 per cent in 2014, which reduced to 30 per cent for 2.5 days per month on average in 2019.

Besides, in 2014, around 85 per cent of women used old cloth during menstruation, which reduced to 63 per cent in 2019.