Do you know that half of the world menstruates? On any given day, more than 800 million women between the ages of 15 and 49 are estimated to be menstruating yet talking about menstruation remains a taboo in many cultures.
Menstruation is the periodic discharge of blood and mucosal tissue from the inner lining of the uterus through the vagina of females. It begins with the onset of menarche that hitherto was about 12 years, but which reproductive health experts say has now dropped to nine years or even before sexual maturity and stops at or near menopause (commonly considered the end of a female’s reproductive life).
The regularity of menstruation period gives rise to commonly used euphemisms such as “my period” and “monthly flow”.
Despite the fact that almost every woman and girls of reproductive age in the world menstruates various parts of the world still view menstruation with stigma and we find mothers who have female children unable to talk or discuss issues around a normal biological process with these girls.
Opening discussions on issues around sexual health in schools have even been viewed as unacceptable among parents thus furthering the taboo that exist in the society as a whole.
“This is a fact that is very disturbing to reproductive health experts across the world” says Deputy Medical Director ASCON Clinic, Badagry, Dr Ajoke Ashiru.
According to Dr Ashiru, “the trend of inability to discuss topics around menstruation is mostly due to the feeling of shyness exhibited by any young girl who is just starting the process.
Oftentimes, the young girl thinks it is too personal and should be treated as so. It is now that medical experts have taken it so seriously and are educating mothers at every given opportunity so that they in turn give time to talk to their girls and moreover, as a mother and an expert, I think schools should play key role with teachers talking to the young ones during classes, faith based organisations should also take topics on it and call on experts to address among young people.
“It is about time that the myths surrounding reproductive health issues such as basic as menstrual flow should be broken in our homes and society so that everyone understands why we are having so many problems on reproduction today and it is when both boys and girls know about how their bodies function through all ages that the society can produce healthy adults and citizens”, she added
UNESCO estimates one in 10 African girls miss school during their periods, leading to a higher dropout rate.
It is as a result of the disturbing pattern that a group of partners came under a coalition to declare the first ever Menstrual Hygiene Day last Wednesday, May 28 with the view to start a global conversation that would help all girls grow into healthy women who can advocate for their reproductive health and rights.
The coalition of organisations includes Watersaid, WASH United, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Save the Children.
According to Coordinator of WaterAids Regional Learning Centre for Sanitation Clarisse Baghnyan, “We need to make a shift in our thinking and attitude and bring an end to the stigma that still surrounds menstruation.
“For the sake of our girls and women, it’s time to start talking about this issue. The myths and taboos around periods can and do take a heavy toll on the health of our girls and women, especially in developing countries such as Nigeria.
“We must ensure that our girls have decent and separate toilet facilities in schools otherwise their health is put at risk and they are likely to miss or drop out of school rather than face the humiliation of finding somewhere private to change.
“By talking about periods, we can help normalise this natural process and help girls and women live healthier and more dignified lives.”
The post Why discuss menstruation? appeared first on Daily Independent, Nigerian Newspaper.