Clean Period

CleanPeriod Menstrual Hygiene Project aims to raise awareness about the challenges regarding access to sustainable menstrual products, education about menstrual hygiene, and sexual and reproductive health rights. It is disheartening that millions of women and girls worldwide face stigmatization, exclusion, and discrimination simply because they menstruate. This natural bodily function should never hinder women and girls from accessing education, earning an income, and fully participating in everyday life. To address these inequalities, DWoSO Initiative has been actively contributing to the fight against menstrual hygiene challenges through raising awareness, educating girls and women on good menstrual hygiene practices, debunking myths and stigma around menstruation, and providing reproductive and sexual health education. The target groups for the CleanPeriod Project includes students, teachers, and community members, with a focus on creating awareness and sensitizing them to these important issues.

The program has successfully engaged students, teachers, and community members who played an active role in the CleanPeriod Project activities.

Objectives:

To empower women and girls to manage their menstrual health with dignity and confidence.

To break the stigma, myths, and taboos surrounding menstruation.

To increase access to affordable and sustainable menstrual products.

To advocate for better policies and practices regarding menstrual hygiene management.

To promote sexual and reproductive health rights.

Topics Covered:

1. Introduction and Breaking of Taboos:

• Introduction to the CleanPeriod Project and its objectives.
• Discussion on common myths, misconceptions, and taboos associated with menstruation.

2. Menstrual Hygiene Education:

• Understanding the anatomy and physiology of the menstrual cycle.
• Promoting proper hygiene practices during menstruation, including washing and cleanliness.
• Highlighting the importance of using clean and hygienic menstrual products.
• Exploring different types of menstrual products, such as disposable pads, reusable pads, tampons, and menstrual cups, along with their advantages and disadvantages.

3. Sustainable Menstrual Products:

• Introducing sustainable menstrual products and their environmental benefits.
• Providing demonstrations on how to use menstrual cups and reusable pads.
• Promoting the use of eco-friendly disposable pads as an alternative to traditional disposable products.
• Discussing the cost, accessibility, and maintenance of sustainable menstrual products.

4. Reproductive Health Right and Empowerment:

• Emphasizing the importance of reproductive health rights.
• Engaging in discussions on gender equality, dignity, and empowerment.
• Encouraging open communication with parents, teachers, and healthcare providers regarding menstruation and reproductive health.
• Highlighting the significance of informed decision-making about reproductive health choices.

5. Creating a Supportive Environment:

• Addressing the role of schools and communities in creating a supportive environment for menstruating individuals.
• Ensuring the availability of hygienic and private sanitation facilities in schools.
• Addressing issues of menstrual stigma, bullying, and discrimination.
• Promoting peer support and understanding among students.

Throughout the program, participants have gained a deeper understanding of the importance of menstrual hygiene, which significantly impacts the overall well-being of women. It has been evident that each person’s menstrual experience varies, but all persons should be able to manage their periods in dignity and with confidence. To further progress in this area, it is recommended to place emphasis on the promotion and education of sustainable and eco-friendly menstrual products, as many women still lack knowledge about these alternatives.

The CleanPeriod Menstrual Hygiene Project conducted by DWoSO Initiative has played a significant role in raising awareness, educating, and empowering women and girls regarding menstrual hygiene and reproductive health rights. The engagement of students, teachers, and community members has contributed to breaking the stigma and taboos surrounding menstruation. Moving forward, it is crucial to continue advocating for sustainable menstrual products and expanding educational initiatives to reach more women and girls, ensuring they have the necessary tools and knowledge to manage their menstrual health effectively and confidently.