MENSTRUAL HYGIENE MANAGEMENT: ADDRESSING THE IMPORTANCE AND OBJECTIVES IN SCHOOLS.
Menstrual hygiene management (MHM) pertains to the overall sanitation and health measures that women implement during their menstrual cycle. The importance of menstrual hygiene management is highlighted by the fact that many women face health hazards during menstruation when proper care is not observed.
This is why it is essential to create menstrual hygiene awareness and raise awareness of the objectives of MHM. Furthermore, educating young girls in schools about menstrual hygiene management is vital in preventing them from being at risk of various health issues.
Table of Contents
- Objectives of menstrual hygiene management
- Facts
- Menstrual Hygiene Management in Schools
- Menstrual Hygiene Awareness
- Simple menstrual hygiene management guidelines
- Importance of Menstrual Hygiene Management
- Support Sole for African child initiative
- Quotes to Tweet
- FAQs
- What is good menstrual hygiene management?
- What are the components of menstrual hygiene?
OBJECTIVES OF MENSTRUAL HYGIENE MANAGEMENT
The main objectives of menstrual hygiene management are to ensure the proper management of menstrual hygiene and keep it at optimal levels. This involves achieving personal hygiene, environmental cleanliness, and safe disposal options.
It is also crucial to ensure that menstrual hygiene management products are available and affordable to women across all social and economic levels.
‘Menstrual hygiene management should be a fundamental right for all women and girls. It is essential for their physical and mental wellbeing, allowing them to remain in school and to work, ultimately empowering them.’ – Michelle Obama, Former First Lady of the United States of America #solesforAfricanchild #hygienemanagement #menstrualhygiene
Facts
Menstrual hygiene management (MHM) is an essential aspect of promoting women’s reproductive health and dignity. Here are a few facts related to MHM:
- Menstrual hygiene products: It is essential to use quality menstrual hygiene products during menstruation to ensure proper hygiene. What are the resources for menstrual hygiene? Sources of menstrual hygiene products include disposable pads, tampons, and menstrual cups.
- Clean water and sanitation: Access to clean water and sanitation plays a vital role in ensuring proper MHM. In many developing countries, women and girls face challenges in accessing clean water and sanitation facilities during menstruation.
- Stigma and taboos: Menstruation is often associated with stigma and taboos, leading to a lack of education and awareness on MHM. This can affect the physical and mental health of girls and women.
- Education and awareness: Education and awareness campaigns play a crucial role in promoting good MHM. Community leaders, educators, and healthcare professionals can play an important role in raising awareness of MHM and creating positive change.
How do you promote menstrual hygiene management?
Menstrual Hygiene Management in Schools
Schools play a critical role in spreading menstrual hygiene awareness and promoting proper menstrual hygiene management. Educating girls about menstruation and its significance can help promote better hygiene practices and prevent girls from dropping out of school due to menstruation.
Further, schools can provide facilities such as clean toilets, disposing of used sanitary pads, and ensuring the availability of feminine hygiene products. This will help girls to manage their menstrual hygiene effectively, reducing absenteeism during menstruation.
‘‘Menstruation is a natural process and should not be stigmatized’’
Michelle Obama, Former First Lady of the United States
Menstrual Hygiene Awareness
Menstrual hygiene awareness plays a crucial role in ensuring the physical and mental well-being of women. It involves educating women about factors that may impact menstrual hygiene management, including lifestyle, biology, and environmental factors.
Through spreading menstrual hygiene awareness, women can access information on proper hygiene management, safe disposal methods, and affordable products for menstruation.
Simple menstrual hygiene management guidelines
Proper menstrual hygiene is essential for women’s health and well-being. Here are some menstrual hygiene management guidelines addressed in Naikara, Narok County to help manage girls’ and women’s menstrual hygiene:
-Change your menstrual products regularly. Depending on your flow, you may need to change your pad or tampon every 3-6 hours.
-Wash your vulva and anus with warm water and mild soap every day, even if you’re not on your period.
-Wipe from front to back after urinating or having a bowel movement (others advocate side to side).
-Wash your hands before and after handling your menstrual products.
-Wash your menstrual products after each use.
-Avoid douching.
-Avoid tight clothing.
-Take a bath or shower daily.
-Change out of wet swimsuits and sweaty workout clothes as soon as possible.
-Wear clean, comfortable underwear made from breathable materials and natural fibers.
-Avoid using scented products, such as perfumed soaps, on your vulva or in your vaginal area.
-If you have any vaginal discharge that is unusual in color, odor, or amount, contact your healthcare provider.
Menstrual health and hygiene management is important for women’s health and well-being. These tips ensure that women’s and girls’ menstrual health and hygiene are managed in a way that is safe and effective.
Importance of Menstrual Hygiene Management
The importance of menstrual hygiene management is highlighted by the health hazards that women face when proper care is not taken during menstruation.
Without proper sanitation, women become vulnerable to several reproductive infections, including yeast and bacterial vaginosis. Moreover, poor hygiene management is a significant social barrier to women’s participation in society, from education to work and even at home. Through proper menstrual hygiene, women can achieve greater personal hygiene and care that ensures good health and a better quality of life.
Proper MHM is a vital aspect of health and well-being for every woman.
There is a need to raise menstrual hygiene awareness and promote optimal menstrual hygiene management practices. Educating young girls in schools on MHM can go a long way in creating healthier and hygienic environments for women. The importance of MHM should not be neglected, and it should be encouraged by promoting better education and awareness on the problems related to menstrual hygiene management.
We must take action to ensure that all women have access to safe and hygienic menstrual hygiene products, education about menstruation and the essential facilities for managing their periods with dignity.
Support Sole for African Child Initiative
It’s time to address the importance of menstrual hygiene management in schools! As supporters, a simple gesture like writing to school administrators and urging them to implement menstrual hygiene management programs is a start.
You too can develop a menstrual hygiene management training manual to help parents and caregivers provide simple advice to girls so that they better understand and manage their menstrual hygiene.
The manual should capture information on the anatomy and physiology of the reproductive system, the menstrual cycle, and menstrual products. It also covers guidance on how to manage menstruation in a clean and safe manner.
Join us on programs aimed at increasing girls’ access to clean water and sanitation facilities, provide education on hygiene and health, and ensuring that girls have access to menstrual products. By taking action, we can help make sure that all girls have the opportunity to succeed in school and reach their full potential.
Quotes to Tweet
“Empowering girls and women starts with menstrual hygiene.” – Melinda Gates, Co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
This quote highlights the importance of addressing the issue of menstrual hygiene management as a means of empowering women and girls. Access to education and opportunities can be hindered when girls do not have the necessary resources to manage their periods hygienically.
Empowering girls and women starts with menstrual hygiene. Melinda Gates, Co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation #menstrualhygience #soleforAfricanchild #SDGs
“Periods don’t stop for pandemics. It’s vital that we address menstrual health needs in humanitarian settings.” – Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Actress and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador
Priyanka Chopra Jonas emphasizes the need for menstrual hygiene management to be prioritized in humanitarian settings. In times of crisis, such as natural disasters or pandemics, access to hygiene products and sanitation facilities can be severely limited, putting women and girls at risk.
FAQs
What is good menstrual hygiene management?
Menstrual hygiene management (MHM) is a way for women and girls to stay clean and healthy during their menstrual period. MHM includes using clean water and soap to wash the genitals and surrounding area, changing pads or tampons regularly, and changing into clean clothes if necessary.
What are the components of menstrual hygiene?
There are four main components of menstrual hygiene:
1. Washing: It is important to wash the vulva and vagina with clean water and mild soap every day, especially during menstruation.
2. Changing sanitary protection: Sanitary protection should be changed regularly, at least every 4-8 hours, to prevent the build-up of bacteria.
3. Drying: After washing, it is important to thoroughly dry the vulva and vagina to prevent irritation.
4. Avoiding irritants: There are many potential irritants that can worsen menstrual hygiene, including perfumed soaps, douches, and tight clothing. It is important to avoid these if possible.
