In Papua New Guinea, the topic of menstruation is still a taboo, surrounded by myths and misconceptions. This restricts the freedom of women and girls to manage their menstrual hygiene in a dignified and healthy manner.
Here are 3 reasons why menstrual hygiene is beneficial.
1. Prevents infection
Poor menstrual hygiene practices can lead to reproductive infections and other adverse health effects.
Simple practices such as regular changing of sanitary pads and handwashing before and after changing are some of the practices that constitute the basic component of menstrual hygiene.
By practising proper hygiene during menstruation, the risk of infection is reduced.
2. Increases confidence
The lack of awareness, including education in schools on menstruation are challenges when it comes to menstrual hygiene.
When adolescent girls and women are equipped with sound knowledge of menstruation and menstrual hygiene practices, this builds up their confidence level, and they become well-conscious of their well-being during menstruation.
3. Empowers women
When women and girls have access to proper water, sanitation and hygiene facilities with proper disposal sanitary bins, it creates a safe and private space for managing menstrual hygiene.
This also gives women and girls the comfort of staying at work or school during menstruation. In this way, they overcome social exclusion, stigma and harassment.
Want to know more about our ProSan sanitary service? Contact our expert team today.