Myths, taboos continue to stifle menstrual hygiene
LINEO MABEKEBEKE
QUTHING – Menstruation, a natural and inevitable part of every woman’s life, often remains shrouded in mystery, stigma, and silence.
For many girls, their first experience of seeing blood from their genitals is not just shocking but can be frightening. Yet, the physiological basis of menstruation, the biological changes during puberty, and the infection risks posed by poor hygiene practices are topics rarely discussed openly.
This silence leaves young girls navigating the complexities of adolescence without adequate support, leading to confusion, shame, and vulnerability. Menstruation, often referred to as “the period,” marks a significant transition in a girl’s life, a rite of passage into womanhood.
Yet, instead of being celebrated or even discussed openly, it is frequently surrounded by myths, taboos, and socio-cultural restrictions. These barriers prevent adolescents from acquiring accurate information about their bodies, reinforcing the idea that menstruation is something shameful, a topic that must be whispered about, if addressed at all.
The impact of this silence is profound. Many young girls grow up ignorant of this natural process, ill-prepared for the physical and emotional changes that come with it.
When they do seek information, they are often met with discomfort or reluctance from adults, who themselves may be bound by cultural misconceptions or embarrassment. This reluctance to engage in open dialogue leaves girls isolated, with little knowledge of how to manage their menstruation effectively and stay healthy.
The consequences of this lack of education are far-reaching. Studies have shown that inadequate hygiene facilities, such as insufficient water for washing, lack of soap, poor privacy, and no disposal facilities, make managing menstruation in the school environment a daunting challenge for many girls.
As a result, girls are often absent from school during their periods, missing out on critical learning opportunities. This absenteeism not only affects their education but also reinforces the idea that menstruation is a barrier to success.
Men and boys, often overlooked in the conversation about menstrual health, have a crucial role to play in supporting girls during this time. As brothers, peers, and future partners, their understanding and support can help break down the barriers and stigma that surround menstruation.
In a community dialogue on menstrual health held in Quthing by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and its partners, participants, including parents, boys, and girls, were last week encouraged to challenge the negative gender and cultural norms that perpetuate silence around menstruation.
The dialogue revealed the significant hygiene challenges that girls face during their periods. Many girls expressed discomfort and distress caused by the smell of blood, the fullness of menstrual pads, and the itching and irritation that can occur in their intimate areas.
Makhethe Kotelo, a young girl who participated in the dialogue, pleaded for more menstrual health education and resources. She shared that not having enough menstrual products limits her daily activities and can negatively impact her self-esteem, reproductive health, and schooling.
The myths and taboos that surround menstruation exacerbate the challenges girls face. Kotelo emphasized the importance of open conversations about menstruation, beginning with small, age-appropriate discussions about puberty and growing up.
She acknowledged that while talking about periods may feel awkward, breaking the silence is crucial to ensuring that girls are confident and prepared for their first periods. Menstruation is an experience shared by all women, yet not every woman fully understands the intricacies of the menstrual cycle.
For many, the transition into womanhood is marked by confusion and a lack of knowledge, which can have long-lasting effects on their health and well-being. ’Maseretse Ratia, UNFPA’s national programme analyst for adolescents and young people, highlighted the ongoing challenges surrounding menstrual health in Lesotho.
Many people still fear discussing menstruation openly, perpetuating a cycle of ignorance and stigma. Ratia also noted that girls from impoverished backgrounds often struggle to afford menstrual products, leading them to miss school or, in some cases, engage in transactional relationships to obtain these essential items.
The UNFPA has recognised the urgent need to address menstrual health issues, as the inability to manage menstruation effectively can undermine both physical health and overall well-being, with far-reaching consequences.
As part of their efforts, they have mobilised community leaders, parents, and youth to share their views and knowledge about menstruation. Through these discussions, they discovered that in some rural areas, such as Tšitsong, it is still considered taboo for parents to talk about menstruation with their children.
This lack of open dialogue perpetuates the stigma and leaves girls without the information they need to manage their health. To combat this, Ratia stressed the importance of working together to raise awareness about menstrual hygiene, find ways to provide access to menstrual products, and promote menstrual health and hygiene across various settings.
She also emphasised the need for parents, men, and young girls alike to be educated on these issues so that parents can understand their role in supporting their daughters through this transition.
The Ministry of Health’s adolescent health programme manager, ’Mathato Nkuatsana, echoed these sentiments, noting that poor menstrual hygiene can pose serious health risks.
She explained that to manage their menstruation effectively, girls and women need access to Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) facilities, affordable menstrual hygiene materials, and accurate information on good practices.
Additionally, she said they need a supportive environment where they can manage their periods without embarrassment or stigma. Nkuatsana called for more education and awareness so that parents, men, and communities understand their role in supporting girls during menstruation.
She urged men and boys to engage in conversations about periods, share accurate information, and support initiatives that provide affordable and sustainable menstrual products, particularly in marginalised communities.
The dialogue in Quthing marked a significant step forward in challenging the silence and stigma that surround menstruation. After the session, several men and boys pledged their support to ensuring that their daughters and sisters have access to menstrual products.
Moeketsi Thaele, speaking on behalf of the boys, committed to encouraging conversations about periods and supporting initiatives that promote menstrual health.
UNFPA representative Innocent Modisaotsile reiterated the importance of addressing menstrual health as part of a broader commitment to sexual and reproductive health.
He said no individual should be disadvantaged because of menstruation and called for collective efforts to fight the stigma associated with periods.
Modisaotsile also highlighted UNFPA’s role in addressing issues related to sexual and reproductive health, including gender-based violence, unintended pregnancies, and maternal health.
He underscored the importance of sensitising communities to ensure that young people experiencing their first periods are treated with understanding and respect, rather than being prematurely labelled as women.
UNFPA’s studies on the menstrual landscape in Lesotho have uncovered disturbing trends. Many young girls face significant challenges in accessing menstrual health products, and in some cases, this lack of access has led to exploitative relationships.
The studies also revealed that menstrual poverty is a pressing issue, with young girls resorting to transactional relationships to obtain the products they need. This highlights the urgent need for interventions that provide girls with the resources and support they need to manage their menstruation with dignity.
