Morgen Makombo Sikwila
One of the underlying reasons why menstrual hygiene has been neglected is gender inequality.
Unequal power relations between men and women result in women’s and girls’ voices not being heard in decision-making within households, communities and developmental programmes.
They have also led to cultural taboos, stigma and shame around menstruation, including the belief, prevalent in many cultures, that menstrual blood and menstruating women themselves are unclean. During menstruation, women and girls may be excluded from using water and sanitation facilities, are unable to participate fully in social, educational, productive and religious activities and in some cultures are even excluded from the home.
Therefore, addressing both the practical and strategic needs of women and girls related to menstruation and menstrual hygiene requires comprehensive programmes that target women and girls; and men and boys.
Men play a vital role in supporting women’s menstrual hygiene by ensuring access to resources, providing emotional support, and challenging harmful stereotypes surrounding menstruation. By actively engaging in discussions about menstruation and supporting access to sanitation and menstrual products, men can contribute to creating a more supportive environment for women and girls.
Menstruation is a natural biological process experienced by half of the world’s population – has long been surrounded by stigma and silence, particularly in countries like Zimbabwe. Despite being a normal part of life, menstrual hygiene management remains a significant challenge, especially for adolescent girls in rural areas.
The issue is exacerbated by a lack of awareness, prevalent misconceptions, and limited access to menstrual products and sanitation facilities, leading to consequences such as missed school days and compromised reproductive health.
Research conducted reveals that men often play a crucial role in decision-making regarding household sanitation facilities. Recognising this, it becomes evident that engaging men in conversations about menstrual hygiene is essential for creating supportive environments and promoting gender equality. Menstruation impacts not only women but also their families, communities, and societies as a whole.
Therefore, it is imperative to involve men in efforts to demystify the taboo surrounding menstrual hygiene. According to UNICEF, one in three girls in Africa South of the Sahara misses school during her menstrual cycle due to inadequate access to menstrual hygiene products and sanitation facilities. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for action to address menstrual health challenges. While efforts have primarily focused on empowering women and girls, the involvement of men has often been overlooked.
Men can contribute significantly to breaking down barriers by actively participating in open and supportive discussions about menstruation. By fostering understanding and empathy, they can create safe spaces where women and girls feel comfortable addressing their menstrual health needs without fear of judgment or embarrassment. This inclusive approach not only promotes gender equality but also cultivates a more supportive society where menstruation is normalised.
By promoting open dialogue and supporting women’s access to menstrual products and sanitation facilities, men can play a pivotal role in addressing menstrual health challenges in Zimbabwe. By challenging societal norms and advocating for change, they can help create a more inclusive and supportive environment where menstruation is recognised as a natural aspect of women’s lives.
Men’s involvement in menstrual hygiene can also matter. Men can contribute to breaking the silence surrounding menstruation by initiating open and supportive conversations about it. By creating environments where menstruation is not considered taboo, men can help women and girls feel more comfortable discussing their menstrual health needs without fear of judgment or embarrassment.
Men can provide crucial support to the women and girls in their lives by ensuring access to menstrual products, clean and private sanitation facilities, and by offering emotional support and understanding. By actively addressing the practical needs associated with menstruation, men can alleviate some of the challenges women face during their menstrual cycles.
Menstrual hygiene education is essential for both men and women. By educating men about menstruation and its implications on women’s health and well-being, we can empower them to become allies in promoting menstrual hygiene practices. Through education, men can gain a better understanding of the biological processes and societal challenges related to menstruation, enabling them to support women more effectively.
Addressing menstrual hygiene issues is not just a women’s issue; it is a matter of gender equality. Menstruation should be viewed as a natural aspect of women’s health, and men should be active participants in efforts to improve menstrual hygiene standards and access to resources. By promoting gender equality in menstruation, men can contribute to creating a more equitable society where all individuals have equal access to healthcare and resources, regardless of gender.
Addressing menstrual hygiene management requires collective efforts from both men and women. While strides have been made in involving men in conversations about menstrual hygiene management, ongoing efforts are needed to further engage them. Recognising the significance of men’s involvement and actively including them in discussions can help dismantle the silence surrounding menstruation, fostering a healthier and more equitable future for everyone. People should work together to ensure that every woman and girl has access to the resources and support they need to manage their menstrual health with dignity and confidence.
In conclusion, men’s involvement is vital for improving menstrual hygiene management (MHM). They can support women and girls by advocating for resources, creating a supportive environment, and educating others. Their participation can break down cultural taboos, challenge harmful beliefs, and promote a more inclusive environment for women’s health.
Morgen Makombo Sikwila
MSc Peace and Governance
BSc Counselling
Diploma in Environmental Health
Certificate in Environmental Health
