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Business Standard
28-05-2025
- Health
- Business Standard
Menstrual Hygiene Day 2025: Why periods must never limit access or dignity
Every month, over 2 billion people across the world bleed, but not everyone can talk about it, let alone manage it with dignity. That's why Menstrual Hygiene Day has become a global movement to bring the spotlight to an often-overlooked but vital issue: menstrual health. From breaking taboos to building infrastructure that improves access to hygiene products and better menstrual health for all girls, women, transgender men, and non-binary persons, the day calls for a future where periods are no longer a problem, but just a part of life. What is menstrual hygiene? Menstruation is a natural biological process in which the uterus sheds its lining, resulting in blood and tissue passing out of the body through the vagina. Menstrual hygiene refers to the practices and conditions that allow individuals to manage their periods safely and with dignity. This includes access to clean and effective menstrual products (like pads, tampons, or menstrual cups), privacy to change them as needed, and facilities to properly dispose of used products. Menstrual Hygiene Day: History Menstrual Hygiene Day (MH Day) is observed every year on May 28 to raise awareness about the importance of good menstrual hygiene management. It was initiated by the German-based NGO WASH United in 2013 when a 28-day social media campaign was launched to spread awareness around different aspects of menstruation. Motivated by the positive response, Menstrual Hygiene Day was observed for the first time on May 28, 2014, with rallies, exhibitions, workshops, and speeches. The choice of May 28 is symbolic: May is the fifth month of the year, representing the average length of a menstrual cycle (five days), and 28 signifies the average number of days in a menstrual cycle. What is the theme of Menstrual Hygiene Day 2025? The theme for Menstrual Hygiene Day 2025 is ' Together for a #PeriodFriendlyWorld ', urging collective action to ensure that menstruation does not limit access to education, health, or opportunity. This theme underlines the global commitment to eliminate the stigma surrounding menstruation and ensure that by 2030, menstruation is recognised as a normal and healthy part of life. Also Read Why is Menstrual Hygiene Day important? According to UN Women, Menstrual Hygiene Day holds significance as it plays a crucial role in: Breaking taboos: Encouraging open conversations about menstruation to dismantle long-standing myths and stigmas. Promoting education: Ensuring that individuals, especially young girls, have access to accurate information about menstrual health. Improving access: Advocating for better access to menstrual products and sanitation facilities. What is the mission of Menstrual Hygiene Day? The mission of MH Day is to create a world where menstruation is accepted as a normal part of life. This involves ensuring that everyone has access to quality menstrual products, period-friendly toilets, and accurate information about menstruation. By fostering a period-friendly environment, MH Day aims to empower individuals to manage menstruation without shame or barriers. What is the status of menstrual hygiene in India? India has made significant strides in improving menstrual hygiene, but challenges remain. According to the National Family Health Survey-5 (2019–21), only 27.7 per cent of women had access to all four essential Menstrual Health and Hygiene (MHH) resources, which include using appropriate period products, an improved unshared toilet, water within the premises, and soap at the handwashing point. On the use of menstrual hygiene products, NFHS-5 says that only 78 per cent of women aged 15–24 use hygienic methods of menstrual protection, and about 50 per cent of these use cloth. NFHS-5 further revealed that the lowest percentage of women using hygienic methods of menstrual protection are in Bihar (59 per cent), Madhya Pradesh (61 per cent), and Meghalaya (65 per cent). What are the common menstrual products that can ensure hygiene during periods? Menstrual pads Menstrual cups Organic cotton tampons Period panties Reusable cloth pads How to maintain hygiene during menstruation? Maintaining proper menstrual hygiene is key to preventing infections and ensuring comfort during your period. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), here are some important guidelines: Wash your hands before and after handling any menstrual product. Never flush menstrual products; wrap them in toilet paper and dispose of them in a covered bin. Change sanitary pads every few hours, even with light flow. Replace tampons every 4 to 8 hours to reduce the risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). Clean menstrual cups daily during your period and sterilise them after use. Wear breathable cotton underwear and practise front-to-back cleaning. Stay hydrated to support your body during menstruation. How does menstrual hygiene impact health? Proper menstrual hygiene is vital for the overall health and well-being of women and girls: Physical health: Poor menstrual hygiene can lead to infections such as UTIs and reproductive tract infections. Mental health: Stigma and lack of support can cause stress, anxiety, and low self-esteem. Education: Inadequate facilities in schools can lead to absenteeism during periods. Economic impact: Missing school or work due to menstrual issues can have long-term economic consequences. What can be done to improve menstrual hygiene? To enhance menstrual hygiene management: Education: Implement menstrual education in schools and communities. Access to products: Ensure availability and affordability of menstrual products. Infrastructure: Develop period-friendly sanitation facilities in public spaces. Policy support: Governments should prioritise menstrual health and allocate resources accordingly. According to the National Health Mission of India, improving menstrual hygiene is not just a health issue, it's a matter of dignity, equality, and human rights. It urges people to come together this Menstrual Hygiene Day to promote awareness, dignity, and safe practices. For more health updates, follow #HealthWithBS
Indian Express
28-05-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
Menstrual Hygiene Day 2025: Date, theme, significance — all you need to know
International Menstrual Hygiene Day 2025: Menstrual hygiene is much more than simply the use of sanitary napkins and access to clean toilets. It is a fundamental right for every woman and an essential aspect of their dignity, which significantly impacts the overall well-being of all menstruating women globally. This is why WASH United initiated a global day dedicated to menstruation: Menstrual Hygiene Day (MH Day), marked on 28 May since 2014. Since then, MH Day has been observed annually and, over the past decade, has developed into a global movement to raise awareness about the significance of good menstrual hygiene management (MHM). This year, Menstrual Hygiene Day will be observed on Wednesday, 28 May 2025, under the theme 'Together for a #PeriodFriendlyWorld', which highlights that menstruation is no longer associated with stigma or taboos in a #PeriodFriendlyWorld. It aims to build a world where everyone has access to the necessities, comprehensive period education, menstrual health services, and infrastructure that supports menstrual hygiene and practices. 'Together' is crucial because no one individual can address the challenges that women* face related to their menstruation; however, when we unite, we can make a difference. Every year, this day raises awareness on menstruation through social media campaigns, events, and media coverage and puts the spotlight on global organisations to take action through the implementation of new policies and programmes.
Cision Canada
26-05-2025
- Health
- Cision Canada
The Period Purse Launches National Campaign to Make Menstrual Health a Year-Round Priority
TORONTO, May 26, 2025 /CNW/ - To mark the 11th year of Menstrual Health Day (MH Day) on May 28, 2025, The Period Purse, a leading charity committed to eradicating period poverty, is proud to announce the launch of the Menstrual Health Day is Every Day Campaign. Running until June 2025, the campaign aims to raise funds to provide menstrual products for those in need and educate Canadians on the topic of menstrual health and menstrual equity. Menstruating with dignity is a barrier faced by menstruators across Canada. According to a 2023 survey, 1 in 6 Canadian menstruators have personally experienced period poverty. Only 46% of Canadians are comfortable talking about periods (Plan International Canada, 2020). The Period Purse strives to create menstrual equity by ensuring sustainable access to period products for everyone and ending the stigmas associated with periods through education and advocacy. MH Day, celebrated globally on May 28, serves as a platform to advocate for menstrual equity and challenge stigmas associated with periods. Menstrual equity isn't something we talk about once a year and then forget. It's something we build every single day, and The Period Purse is asking folks to support by: Say the word period in a way that is most comfortable for you. At school, at work, around the dinner table, it might feel uncomfortable at first, but breaking the silence is the first step to ending the stigma. Create spaces where menstruators feel seen and supported- schools or workplaces having free products in the washrooms, for example. Show up in your community. Work with your neighbours, coworkers or friends to collect period products to support your local food bank, or donate directly to our cause. To recognize MH Day this year, 61 monuments will be lit up red (including the CN Tower), 18 flags raised, and 46 cities will be making proclamations to raise awareness about menstrual health and period poverty–full list HERE. A flag will be raised at 9 am EST at Mississauga City Hall, as well as 9 am ADT at the Grand Parade, Halifax, and 9:30 am EST at City Hall in Toronto. For more information on the Menstrual Health Day is Every Day campaign, visit The Period Purse or follow @theperiodpurse on social media. High-quality images and videos of past initiatives and campaign materials can be viewed HERE. About The Period Purse Founded in 2017, The Period Purse is dedicated to ensuring access to period products for all, regardless of financial circumstances. Over the years, the organization has supported thousands of menstruators monthly and donated over six million period products. Additionally, they have educated over 11,000 Canadians about menstrual health to ensure access to period products for all. About Menstrual Health Day (MH Day) Celebrated globally on May 28 and initiated by German non-profit WASH United in 2014, Menstrual Hygiene Day (MH Day) is a global advocacy platform that brings together over 1000 partner organizations working to break the silence and raise awareness around menstrual health and catalyze action towards a world without period poverty and stigma. The date of May 28 represents the average duration of a menstrual cycle (28 days) with five days of bleeding on average. * The Period Purse uses the term "Health" instead of "Hygiene" to encompass the important work that's being done in period education, the fight for period equity, and advocacy for lasting policy change. In alliance with other partnering organizations, we are united in calling this important day MH Day.
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
The Period Purse Launches National Campaign to Make Menstrual Health a Year-Round Priority
TORONTO, May 26, 2025 /CNW/ - To mark the 11th year of Menstrual Health Day (MH Day) on May 28, 2025, The Period Purse, a leading charity committed to eradicating period poverty, is proud to announce the launch of the Menstrual Health Day is Every Day Campaign. Running until June 2025, the campaign aims to raise funds to provide menstrual products for those in need and educate Canadians on the topic of menstrual health and menstrual equity. Menstruating with dignity is a barrier faced by menstruators across Canada. According to a 2023 survey, 1 in 6 Canadian menstruators have personally experienced period poverty. Only 46% of Canadians are comfortable talking about periods (Plan International Canada, 2020). The Period Purse strives to create menstrual equity by ensuring sustainable access to period products for everyone and ending the stigmas associated with periods through education and advocacy. MH Day, celebrated globally on May 28, serves as a platform to advocate for menstrual equity and challenge stigmas associated with periods. Menstrual equity isn't something we talk about once a year and then forget. It's something we build every single day, and The Period Purse is asking folks to support by: Say the word period in a way that is most comfortable for you. At school, at work, around the dinner table, it might feel uncomfortable at first, but breaking the silence is the first step to ending the stigma. Create spaces where menstruators feel seen and supported- schools or workplaces having free products in the washrooms, for example. Show up in your community. Work with your neighbours, coworkers or friends to collect period products to support your local food bank, or donate directly to our cause. To recognize MH Day this year, 61 monuments will be lit up red (including the CN Tower), 18 flags raised, and 46 cities will be making proclamations to raise awareness about menstrual health and period poverty–full list HERE. A flag will be raised at 9 am EST at Mississauga City Hall, as well as 9 am ADT at the Grand Parade, Halifax, and 9:30 am EST at City Hall in Toronto. For more information on the Menstrual Health Day is Every Day campaign, visit The Period Purse or follow @theperiodpurse on social media. High-quality images and videos of past initiatives and campaign materials can be viewed HERE. About The Period PurseFounded in 2017, The Period Purse is dedicated to ensuring access to period products for all, regardless of financial circumstances. Over the years, the organization has supported thousands of menstruators monthly and donated over six million period products. Additionally, they have educated over 11,000 Canadians about menstrual health to ensure access to period products for all. About Menstrual Health Day (MH Day)Celebrated globally on May 28 and initiated by German non-profit WASH United in 2014, Menstrual Hygiene Day (MH Day) is a global advocacy platform that brings together over 1000 partner organizations working to break the silence and raise awareness around menstrual health and catalyze action towards a world without period poverty and stigma. The date of May 28 represents the average duration of a menstrual cycle (28 days) with five days of bleeding on average. * The Period Purse uses the term "Health" instead of "Hygiene" to encompass the important work that's being done in period education, the fight for period equity, and advocacy for lasting policy change. In alliance with other partnering organizations, we are united in calling this important day MH Day. SOURCE The Period Purse View original content to download multimedia: Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
