The stigma and shame generated by stereotypes around menstruation have severe impacts on all aspects of women’s and girls’ human rights. Due to stigma and a lack of sexual education, menstruation knowledge remains limited leaving many girls with negative and ambivalent feelings and experiencing psycho-social stress, which also impacts their ability to learn.
Menstruating women and girls are wrongly considered to be ‘contaminated, dirty and impure’. Girls suffer stigma. Many young girls lack access to menstrual education, products, or hygiene facilities, which leads to the inability to manage periods with dignity.
In addition, some of our communities link the first menstruation cycle to being ready to marry, increasing the risks of adolescent pregnancy, limiting girls’ education and work opportunities.
NOTE:Access to sanitary products is of limited help if schools don’t have the supporting infrastructure, such as separate bathrooms for girls with doors and locks for privacy.
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