Menstrual Hygiene Day (MHD, MH Day in short) is an annual awarness day on May 28 to put the spotlight on the importance of good menstrual hygiene management (MHM). It was initiated by the German-based NGO WASH United in 2014 and aims to benefit women and girls worldwide.
In a press conference held by Noble Cup, discussions were carried out on the importance of making affordable menstrual materials for women and girls. The press conference also focused on bringing awareness about how girls are severely affected by lack of affordable hygiene products and certain social norms associated with menstruation.
Noble Cup currently provides a menstruation cup that can be easily washed and reused for up to 3 years. The product that is made from silicon is said to be very comfortable, completely safe and enables girls and women to go about their normal routine without the fear of leakage.
According to the company, Ethiopian girls have little access to affordable and adequate menstrual management supplies. They end up using a combination of materials they have at their disposal such as rags, newspapers or even tree bark.
Shame associated with menstruation is also a huge problem for girls and attending school becomes a painful experience, affecting their education.
Menstrual Hygiene Day creates an occasion for publicizing information in the media, including social media. Public information campaigns can help to engage decision-makers in policy dialogue. The day offers an opportunity to actively advocate for the integration of menstrual hygiene management (MHM) into global, national and local policies and programmes.
