Menstruation, or period, is the normal discharge of blood and mucosal tissue from the inner lining of the uterus through the vagina. This biological process occurs in adolescent girls from as early as the age of 9. Menstrual Hygiene Management(MHM) is an immediate need to every girl from the onset of their periods(menarche) to when they experience menopause, which on average occurs in the 50’s. MHM is the access of proper menstrual materials, the proper use of the materials in privacy and proper disposal after use. It includes appropriate hygiene practices like washing, bathing and general personal and environmental sanitation.
According to the World Bank population data 2020, women and girls make up 50.3% approximately 27.05 million of the population, Statista:2020. 65% of these women and girls are unable to access menstrual products and subsequently do not practice proper hygiene and sanitation. Access of proper menstrual products is hindered mainly by the high-priced products available in the market. Furthermore, most women and girls lack, or hardly have any information on the correct hygiene practices, and in some cases the already little information is inaccurate. As a result, girls are disadvantaged both economically and socially as they miss school due to lack of absorbent materials, expose themselves to urogenital infections when using wrong materials and their esteem is affected as they are embarrassed to socialize and take part in activities such as sports. The situation is exasperated by the existing taboos associated with menstruation. These are influenced and fueled by the social, cultural and religious practices in the communities.
The Bold Phase Initiative’s core focus is to create a community that values and prioritizes MHM.
"We believe menstruation is a human issue and not a woman issue therefore everyone should add their voice to this issue."
We seek to; end period shame through breaking taboos and bursting myths surrounding menstruation by taking this conversation to every member of the community, providing accurate information by conducting MHM education and dignifying menstruators by making menstrual materials accessible to them.
Our team consists of 10 official members and a pool of approximately 50 on call volunteers who support our programs in different capacities. Since our existence in 2020, we have reached more than 500 girls and 100 boys and community members through our MHM sessions and donations of menstrual products. We believe through partnerships and coming together we can scale further and faster. We have to take a side in this issue, and we choose action.
As we follow, advocate and push for better implementation of the current MHM policy, we do so while concentrating our efforts on making a difference, in small and big ways. We envision a society where menstruation can be discussed as simply and easily as a headache, where a boy understands what his colleague, sister is going through, where parents can actually celebrate a girl’s menarche and ensure she is safe and comfortable. We want a period positive community! So, please, join us and let us be the change we want to see! It is possible.
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has
–Margaret Maed