Happy #MenstrualHygieneDay2020!
Periods do not stop for pandemics neither will our efforts to achieve menstrual equity.

#MHM advocates around the world have been examining the persisting challenges related to menstrual health and hygiene.

Here's an interesting thread

Before the pandemic, several execution plans to eradicate #PeriodPoverty were in motion.
It is no news that the current crisis has exacerbated various issues, including Menstrual Hygiene Management, putting major plans to a halt.
Let's highlight some issues.

–Access to free/affordable sanitary products has been a huge problem.
Due to the economic impact of the pandemic, most families have had to prioritize their basic needs, leaving out sanitary products which have become outrageously expensive and unaffordable.

Way forward – Menstrual health should be included in COVID-19 emergency response schemes. The government should partner with sanitary companies so as to subsidize the prices of sanitary products and make them available in rural areas.

–Lack of access to menstrual education.

Since the closure of schools and other channels where girls can access info on menstruation (even worse for those without access to the Internet), period stigma and misconceptions have been making the rounds.

Way forward – the media (TV stations, radio stations...) should air programs on menstrual health. The government should also create a menstrual health helpline.

–Lack of access to clean water, waste management channels and toilet facilities.

The government should construct boreholes and provide incinerators in all communities.
Reusable menstrual options should be encouraged so as to reduce the quantity of waste generated.

There's only so much NGOs and stakeholders can do. The Government needs to take necessary action by integrating #MHM into local policies and programmes.

I challenge you to lend your voice.