Every month, millions of girls and women experience menstruation in conditions marked by silence, stigma, lack of information , and limited access to appropriate menstrual hygiene products. Yet menstruation is a natural biological process. It should never be a barrier to education, health, self-confidence, or dignity.
On the occasion of Menstrual Hygiene Day, Women Success wishes to highlight a reality that too often remains invisible: menstrual poverty exists, and its consequences directly affect the well-being, self-esteem, and sometimes even the education of young girls.
When Menstruation Becomes a Barrier
For many adolescent girls, menstruation can be associated with discomfort, anxiety, or exclusion. Limited access to suitable menstrual products, persistent misconceptions, feelings of shame, and a lack of menstrual education can lead some girls to miss classes, withdraw from social activities, or experience this period with stress and fear.
Another challenge is the silence that still surrounds menstruation. In many contexts, periods remain a taboo subject, often accompanied by stigma, misinformation, and restrictive beliefs. Menstrual pain is frequently minimized, girls’ specific needs are overlooked, and many grow up without safe spaces where they can ask questions or openly discuss their experiences.
Yet understanding one’s menstrual cycle and learning how to manage menstrual hygiene properly are fundamental issues of health, dignity, and empowerment.
Menstrual Education as a Tool for Empowerment
At Women Success, we believe that providing information is already a form of action.
Menstrual education goes beyond simply explaining menstruation. It helps girls better understand their bodies, adopt healthy hygiene practices, challenge myths and misconceptions, recognize what is normal and what may require attention, and build greater self-confidence.
With this vision in mind, we organize community workshops, discussion spaces, educational talks, and learning tools designed to make conversations about menstruation more accessible, supportive, and free from judgment.
Through interactive activities, open discussions, and practical demonstrations, participants are encouraged to ask questions, share experiences, and gain valuable knowledge about their menstrual health.
Taking Concrete Action Against Menstrual Poverty
Since 2021, Women Success has been working to promote menstrual dignity and improve access to information and menstrual hygiene products:
- More than 3,000 menstrual hygiene products distributed;
- More than 30 educational sessions on menstrual health conducted;
- Three annual menstrual product collection campaigns launched.
Beyond these figures lies a strong conviction: no girl should be prevented from learning, participating in school life, or fully enjoying her daily life because of menstruation.
Our interventions prioritize a participatory and educational approach, including discussions on menstrual hygiene and menstrual dignity, myth-busting activities, practical guidance, and workshops on making reusable sanitary pads to encourage sustainable and affordable solutions.
Making Menstrual Dignity a Shared Responsibility
Addressing menstrual poverty cannot rest solely on the shoulders of girls and women. It requires a collective commitment from families, schools, civil society organizations, public decision-makers, partners, and society as a whole.
Breaking taboos, ensuring access to information, improving menstrual education, and supporting access to menstrual hygiene products are all essential actions for building a more inclusive and equitable society.
Because menstruation should never prevent a girl from learning, living, or dreaming, Women Success remains committed to promoting dignified, informed, and stigma-free menstrual health for all girls and women.
