#ChooseToChallenge Menstrual Health Management with Men

Most people feel shy when talking about menstruation. And, in many cultures and society setups menstruation is not openly discussed and girls and women are not allowed to let men know that they are menstruating.

Menstruation is a natural and regular occurrence that nearly all women of reproductive age experience with an average of 450 menstrual cycles for approximately 38 years. And, despite this being part of the natural reproductive cycle, cultural beliefs, taboos and social norms in many countries and societal sectors restrict the participation of women, girls and menstruators in society during menstruation. In addition, limited access to clean water, proper sanitation facilities and menstrual products make it difficult for women to manage their vaginal bleeding hygienically.

Studies show that 65% of women and girls in Kenya are unable to afford sanitary pads every month. With only 50% of girls saying that they openly discuss menstruation at home. Also, just 32% of rural schools have a private place for girls to change their menstrual product. And only 12% of girls in Kenya would be comfortable receiving the information from their mother. There are also more jarring statistics signaling that menstruation is tied to more fundamental health and social risks and issues of gender inequity, with studies showing 2 out of 3 of pad users in rural Kenya receive them from sexual partners and 1 in 4 girls do not associate menstruation with pregnancy. This has resulted in many girls and menstruators to face considerable physical and social challenges during their menstruation period.
My Flow Foundation men playing their role and taking the first step in challenging the norm

The involvement of fathers and men in menstrual health management has often been limited, because as in many households and society setups it is considered a women’s issue – left to wives or women to handle. However, involving men will play a key role in breaking these barriers, in supporting women’s menstrual health and in the fight to #EndPeriodPoverty. In addition, and as per most household setups, men control the household income and expenditure. Therefore, activating men to talk about menstruation, spend money on menstrual products or a toilet to increase the menstrual health of their daughters, wife, or anyone else in the household that experiences menstruation will help in breaking these barriers, myths and taboos. Furthermore, fathers or father figures can provide a good example to their sons by supporting and positively encouraging menstrual health. #BeInvolved #EndPeriodShame
My Flow Foundation men playing their role and taking the first step in challenging the norm

Also, in school and playgrounds girls have often been teased by boys during their menstruation or when they stain their clothes, which creates a barrier for girls to go out or participate in various activities due to stigma and shame. Informing boys and including them in the fight to #EndPeriodPoverty, will contribute to an environment in which girls feel confident during their menstruation.
My Flow Foundation Care packageMy Flow Foundation Care Packages

At My Flow Foundation (www.myflowfoundation.org) we #ChooseToChallenge and end the myths, taboos and stigma attached to menstruation. No girl should lack a pad or ashamed to ask for one.

Please help us adopt a girl with a care package by donating https://lnkd.in/dJvX_wk or Mpesa Till No. 5286853

#dignityforthegirl #health #EndPeriodPoverty #community #NoPeriodShame #NoShameinPeriod