Menstrual Hygiene Day was celebrated on Sunday, 28 May. Since it began in 2014, MH Day has become pivotal in the global movement to end period poverty and remove the stigma surrounding menstruation. As an organisation that’s constantly challenging the beliefs, myths, stereotypes and taboos about periods, sexual health and reproductive health, MH Day is extremely significant to us. So, to close off the month we’re highlighting three reasons MH Day is so important to normalising periods and breaking the stigma.

1) Awareness

The spark to creating any form of change is the awareness of a problem. Awareness is key to the Menstrual Hygiene Day movement because without it people wouldn’t realise that a lot of their beliefs and attitudes towards menstruation and menstrual health are problematic and need to be changed. Last year, the MH Day campaign reached a record number of over 600 million people all over the world, with Sub-Saharan Africa being the region with the most partner organisations, and India the country with the most partners.

2) Empowerment

Through its awareness campaigns, MH Day educates people about period myths and taboos and creates a space where open conversation can take place. It also educates menstruators on how to prioritise and look after their menstrual health. Empowerment is key, because it allows people to make informed decisions when it comes to their body and health. They’re also able to educate and empower others too!

3) Global reach

MH Day has done a great job at including people from different cultures, religions, countries and continents. Since it started, the MH Day organisation has grown tremendously, reaching hundreds of millions of people all over the world. This also shows how great the need is for a movement like this. The organisation has over 910 partner organisation’s globally, all advocating and fighting for the same goal! In 2022 alone, there were over 200 000 social media contributions and over 14 000 articles and reports created by the media all over the world.

Conclusion

The impact that this movement has had so far is undeniable. But, the real change will take place in our daily lives as we carry this momentum with us by challenging our communities attitudes and beliefs about menstruation. Although MH Day has accomplished SO much in a relatively short period of time, it’s important to not wait for awareness days or organisations like this for us to take action. Otherwise, what would be the point really? The responsibility lies with each of us too.