Menstrual inequity refers to the unequal access to menstrual products, facilities, education, and sanitation that many women and girls face around the world. It is a pervasive issue that affects women and girls in both developed and developing countries and has wide-ranging impacts on their health, education, and economic opportunities.
One of the leading causes of menstrual inequity is the stigma and shame that still surrounds menstruation in many cultures. This stigma can prevent girls from attending school or participating in everyday activities during their periods, and can also make it difficult for them to access menstrual products or sanitary facilities.
The high cost of menstrual products is another barrier to menstrual equity. In many countries, menstrual products such as pads or tampons are taxed as luxury items, making them unaffordable for many women and girls. This can force them to use ineffective or unhygienic alternatives, such as rags or leaves, which can lead to infection and other health problems.
To address menstrual inequity, there needs to be a multifaceted approach that involves education, advocacy, and policy change.
- Increase access to menstrual products: Governments and NGOs can work to make menstrual products more affordable and accessible to all women and girls, especially those living in poverty or rural areas.
- Improve menstrual hygiene management facilities: Providing clean and safe facilities for menstruating women and girls can help reduce stigma and increase their access to hygiene products.
- Increase awareness and education: Raising awareness about menstrual health and hygiene can help break down the cultural barriers that prevent women and girls from accessing menstrual products and facilities. It is also important to provide education on menstrual health and hygiene in schools.
- Address policy issues: Governments and international organizations can work to eliminate taxes on menstrual products and invest in menstrual health programs to support the health and well-being of women and girls.
- Empower women and girls: Providing opportunities for women and girls to participate in decision-making and leadership can help promote gender equality and reduce menstrual inequity. It is important to involve women and girls in the design and implementation of menstrual health programs and policies.
By taking a comprehensive and multifaceted approach to menstrual inequity, we can work towards a world where all women and girls have access to the resources they need to manage their menstrual health with dignity and confidence.
How Nigeria can Fully #EmbraceEquity
International Women’s Day is an important day to celebrate women’s social, economic, cultural, and political achievements worldwide. It is also a day to raise awareness about the ongoing struggles for gender equality and to call for action to address the persistent inequalities that women and girls face.
For 2023 International Women’s Day, the call to action is; let’s all fully #EmbraceEquity. Despite the progress that has been made towards gender equality, there is still a long way to go. Menstrual inequity is a significant issue affecting many women and girls in the country. Studies have shown that a significant number of women and girls in Nigeria struggle to access menstrual products due to affordability issues, which can lead to them using inadequate substitutes like toilet paper, rags or socks.
The issue of menstrual inequity can also have significant negative impacts on education, as girls who do not have access to adequate menstrual products may miss school or struggle to concentrate during their periods.
The Nigerian government should address menstrual inequity, including providing free menstrual products in schools, colleges and universities, as well as in public spaces like community centres and libraries. The government can also work to eliminate the tax on menstrual products, which can make them more affordable for all women and girls.
Additionally, the Nigerian government should provide funding for research and advocacy to raise awareness about the issue of menstrual inequity and work towards developing sustainable and affordable solutions for menstrual health management.
Addressing menstrual inequity, Nigeria can help promote gender equality and support the health and well-being of all women and girls in the country.
Written by Adenike Bamigbade, a menstruating women and policy advocate
