World Menstrual Hygiene Day

On May 28th, the world draws attention to the importance of Menstrual Hygiene when it marks World Menstrual Hygiene Day. It aims to break the silence and raise awareness about the need to keep good menstrual hygiene practices.

Established in 2014 by the German-based NGO WASH United, the day addresses the taboos and stigmas associated with menstruation and promotes access to menstrual products, education, and sanitation facilities.

The date, May 28th, symbolizes the average 28-day menstrual cycle and the typical five-day duration of menstruation, underscoring the significance of the cause it supports.
This year’s theme for Menstrual Hygiene celebration is “PeriodFriendlyWorld.”

In an interview with RGGNNEWS, Founder and executive director of the Girls Excellence Movement (GEM), Juliana Ama Kporfia called for the removal of taxes on sanitary pads arguing that menstruation is a necessity, unlike condoms, which are tax-free despite being a choice.

The founder of GEM urged young girls to see their monthly cycle as a natural part of life, free from shame and stigma, and to maintain proper hygiene by frequently changing their sanitary materials.

She noted that despite repeated calls from various organizations to remove the 20% tax on sanitary pads, the government has not yet responded.
However, she was hopeful that continued advocacy will lead to the elimination of these taxes.

Juliana Kporfia addressed the arguments for using reusable menstrual materials, such as menstrual cups, which are often more expensive due to import costs, and reusable cloth pads, which can be burdensome as they require washing and safe storage when girls are outside.

Moreover, she called on all stakeholders, including the media, civil society organizations, and GEM, to collaborate in creating a period-friendly world.