By Sam Kayode
Men and boys have been challenged to begin a deliberate campaign to support women in achieving a stress-free and smooth monthly menstrual cycle.
In a paper titled “The role of men and boys in menstrual hygiene management, Let the men menstruate,” a key speaker at a ceremony to mark the world menstrual day in Maiduguri, Dr Tim Daret said it was high time the men stopped being neutral in the issue affecting their partners and colleagues.
Daret, who is the WASH Programme Manager-Hygiene Promotion in the Christian Relief Services (CRS) said that the women would be much more comfortable if the men took special interest in the challenges associated with monthly menstruation.
Dr Daret posited that men and boys can support women and girls to manage menstruation effectively across different social domains including household, community, school, and work.
“Men and boys influence women and girls experiences of menstrual hygiene management (MHM) through many roles, including as husbands, fathers, brothers, students, peers, teachers, community leaders, entrepreneurs, employers, development and humanitarian practitioners, and policymakers.” he noted.
He regretted that menstruation is still subjected to societal, cultural, and religious constraints, which pose a significant impediment to proper menstrual hygiene management.
Tim maintained that there is an increasing recognition that menstrual hygiene management (MHM) is a multi-sectoral issue that requires integrated action, particularly from the education, health and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) sectors.
” Numerous studies have shown that the lack of MHM-friendly facilities and support for schoolgirls and female teachers is a barrier to their full participation in school and thus to quality education.
” Cultural norms around menstruation are rooted in gender inequality and compromise women’s ability to manage menstruation hygienically and with dignity.
” While there has been significant progress in developing comprehensive approaches to menstrual hygiene management (MHM), the role of men and boys in supporting menstrual hygiene has been lacking.
” Engaging boys and men in Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) is crucial for several reasons. Here are some key points highlighting its importance:
Reducing Stigma and Taboos: Involving boys and men helps break down the stigma and taboos surrounding menstruation, fostering a more open and supportive environment.
” Promoting Gender Equality: Education on MHM for boys and men promotes gender equality by normalising menstruation and ensuring that both sexes understand and respect this natural process.
” Creating Supportive Environments: When boys and men are informed and supportive, they can contribute to creating enabling environments at home, in schools, and in the community where menstruating individuals feel comfortable and respected.
” Improving Health Outcomes: Engaged males can advocate for better menstrual hygiene products and facilities, contributing to improved health and hygiene outcomes for girls and women.
Encouraging Empathy and Understanding: Educating boys and men about menstruation fosters empathy and understanding, which can reduce bullying and discrimination against menstruating individuals.
” Supporting Women and Girls: Informed men can support their partners, daughters, and peers by providing emotional and practical support, such as helping to purchase menstrual hygiene products or advocating for menstrual leave policies.
” Enhancing Communication: Open conversations about menstruation can improve communication between genders, leading to stronger relationships and better mutual support.
Influencing Policy and Decision-Making: Men, often in positions of power, can advocate for and implement policies that ensure menstrual hygiene products are accessible and affordable, and that facilities are available in schools and workplaces.
” Economic Impact: Understanding the challenges associated with menstruation can lead to initiatives that prevent girls from missing school or women from missing work, thereby reducing economic disadvantages.
” Cultural Shift: Engaging boys and men in MHM education helps shift cultural perceptions, making menstruation a normal and accepted part of life rather than a hidden or shameful topic.
By involving boys and men in MHM, societies can take significant steps toward creating more inclusive, supportive, and equitable environments for all individuals.” he stated.
Highlight of the occasion which was held at the Government girls college in maiduguri was the display of how to make reusable menstrual pads and a distribution of pads to all the schools invited to attend the occasion.
The students were also treated to several drama skits to broaden their horizon on the issue of menstruation and why it should be a hitch free exercise instead of a taboo.
