MASYAP, just like the rest of the World has commemorated the World Hygiene Day with some of its women and youth members from different support groups. The function took place in the MASYAP office in Limbe, Blantyre District. It is an annual awareness day on May 28 to highlight the importance of good menstrual hygiene management (MHM) at a global level. It was initiated by the German-based NGO WASH United in 2014.
In Malawi, women’s choices of menstrual hygiene materials are often limited by the costs, availability and social norms. Adequate sanitation facilities and access to feminine hygiene products are one part of the solution. Creating a culture that welcomes discussion and makes adequate education for women and girls is of equal importance. Research has found that not having access to menstrual hygiene management products can keep girls home from school during their period each month.
Menstrual Hygiene Day is an occasion for publicizing information in the media, including social media. Public information campaigns can help to engage decision-makers in policy dialogue. The day provides an opportunity to actively advocate for the integration of menstrual hygiene management (MHM) into global, national and local policies and programs.
Raising awareness
Menstrual hygiene day is meant to serve as a platform to bring together individuals, organisations, social businesses and the media to create a united and strong voice for women and girls. It is designed to break the silence about menstrual hygiene management.
Objectives
The objectives of MHD include:
- To address the challenges and hardships many women and girls face during their menstruation.
- To highlight the positive and innovative solutions being taken to address these challenges.
- To catalyse a growing, global movement that recognizes and supports girls’ and women’s rights and build partnerships among those partners on national and local level.
- To engage in policy dialogue and actively advocate for the integration of menstrual hygiene management (MHM) into global, national and local policies and programs.
- To create an occasion for media work, including social media.
During the function, MASYAP has donated 19 packs of re-usable sanitary pads that were stitched under the tailoring project to girls as shown in the pictures below:
