NNWN / 2017-08-28

The International body has reacted on the mensuration issue stating that the simple biological fact of menstruation shouldn’t be a barrier to gender equality or stymie women’s and girls’ realization of their human rights,

This is a strong statement from Human Rights Watch and WASH United. The organizations released a guide for aid and development groups and others who work with women and girls to address human rights in menstrual hygiene in their programming. Most women and girls will menstruate every month between menarche and menopause, yet this normal bodily function is still met with silence, taboos, and stigma. Women and girls the world over face numerous challenges in managing their menstruation, which should be a straightforward issue of privacy and health. Pads and other supplies may be unavailable or unaffordable, they may lack access to safe toilet facilities with clean water where they can clean themselves in privacy, and they face discriminatory cultural norms or practices that make it difficult to maintain good menstrual hygiene. Together, these challenges may result in women and girls being denied basic human rights.

“People who make policy and run programs – and even human rights advocates – often don’t fully understand the impact a woman’s monthly period may have on her ability to go about her life if she doesn’t have what she needs to manage it,” said Amanda Klasing, senior women’s rights researcher at Human Rights Watch. “By breaking the silence around menstruation, women can identify barriers they face in managing it.” The practitioner’s guide explains how women’s and girls’ ability to manage their menstruation hygienically, and with normalcy and dignity, enables women and girls to enjoy certain human rights. For example, it addresses the rights to education, health, and water and sanitation, and how they relate to menstrual hygiene management.