This blog reflects the independent opinions of GPE youth leaders and are not made on behalf of any organization.

Menstrual Hygiene Day is dedicated to breaking the silence around menstruation, promoting menstrual health and hygiene and addressing the profound impact of menstrual issues on girls and women globally.

This year, we’re spotlighting the inspiring voices of our youth leaders taking action for menstrual health and hygiene in their communities. Salha (Tanzania), Anzal (Pakistan) and Su (Myanmar) share their insights on the importance of menstrual hygiene, highlight specific challenges faced in their regions and outline the proactive steps they’re taking to drive change.

Salha Aziz

In Tanzania, menstrual health and hygiene challenges such as accessibility and affordability of sanitary wear, clean toilets with clean water, designated changing rooms, dustbins, incinerators and menstrual health and hygiene management education lead to a range of challenges for women and girls.

There are also higher rates of teen pregnancy as girls must engage in sex to get money for sanitary pads.

Through Binti Salha Foundation and within our focus area of adolescent girls and young women’s health rights, we raise the awareness of girls, boys, teachers, parents and community members about menstrual hygiene and management.

We also do advocacy for improving school infrastructure to incorporate standard toilets that have all the necessary requirements for a girl who is menstruating, and train young women who are out of school with tailoring skills so they can make reusable sanitary pads that are also affordable.

We’ve raised 1 million TZS (about US$400) this year through our Mvalishe Akasome Campaign that aims to provide 1,100 schoolgirls with sanitary pads across two phases.

Phase 1 began May 18^th, 2024, when we joined forces with Her Movement at their Menstrual Health and Hygiene Gala, to contribute 304 pads toward their fundraising goal of 7,000 pads. Phase 2 begins on 28^th May, which is Menstrual Hygiene Day, to distribute the remaining 796 pads to girls in 3 secondary schools in Dar Es Salaam.

As a champion for the rights of adolescent girls and young women, I also participate and collaborate with the Global Menstrual Collective on the ‘Tax-Free Pads’ policy in our country so that sanitary pads are accessible and affordable to every woman and girl in Tanzania.

Su Myat Noe

In Myanmar, girls and women face significant challenges with their menstrual health and hygiene (MHH) due to ongoing conflict, economic instability and cultural stigmas.

Most of the girls in our country have grown up with limited knowledge and information about menstruation before experiencing their first period due to cultural beliefs, norms and taboos. They feel worried and awkward asking their caregivers about how to take care of themselves during their period.

Consequently, girls have insecurities and misbeliefs about their body which leads them to avoid social activity. Even if they are aware, they may not have precise knowledge about using clean sanitary products, changing them regularly and maintaining overall cleanliness.

There is also an increased number of displaced persons due to unstable political conditions. Displaced girls and young women have limited access to the internet and correct information about their MHH.

In camps for displaced persons, women and girls often opt for unhygienic alternatives during menstruation due to the scarcity and high cost of sanitary pads. The lack of clean water and private facilities in schools and at home exacerbates health risks and affects mental well-being as women prioritize drinking water over usage for their personal hygiene.

As a youth advocate, I am currently working to raise awareness on sexual health and reproductive rights among girls, caregivers and youth through the Champions of Change curriculum. I also hold intergenerational dialogues with community members to explore the existing norms and misunderstandings about menstruation, using these conversations as an opportunity to provide correct information about menstrual health and hygiene practices.

In the future, I plan to collaborate with Plan International Myanmar to provide comprehensive sexuality education, MHH awareness and to improve access to sanitary products among adolescents. I will continue to raise awareness through educational workshops, collaborating and linking with like-minded organizations to procure and provide sanitary products and facilities.

Addressing these issues is vital to promote the health, dignity, and opportunities of women and girls in Myanmar, ensuring they can manage menstruation safely even amid challenging circumstances.

Anzal Abbas

In lower-middle-income countries like Pakistan, there are many problems related to menstrual health. Girls and women often lack awareness, can't afford sanitary products and don't have proper facilities. Menstruation is also surrounded by shame and stigma.

Natural disasters like floods can make things worse. Displaced women face even more challenges, such as not having safe places to change or dispose of menstrual products and feeling uncomfortable talking to male health workers about their needs.

Nongovernmental organizations like Aahung adopted the menstrual health education model to address this issue. It’s important to note that menstrual health is considered a taboo subject in Pakistan. As such, Aahung sought to partner within schools to deliver menstrual health education by training teachers who then conducted sessions for their students in the hopes of shifting social attitudes and culture around menstruation.

After significant developments in the political arena, the government of Sindh formally introduced ‘Life Skills-Based Education’ as a compulsory component of the primary school curriculum in 2018. This is a promising shift to promote menstrual health and hygiene.

In my experience, a formal life skills-based education program significantly impacts people's attitudes. As a public health and education professional, I have worked on this topic with teachers and youth in areas such as Khairpur, Sheikhupura, Jamshoro, Vehari, Mitari and Karachi—districts that are among the most underdeveloped in Pakistan.

Our youth leaders Salha, Anzal and Su, bring a wealth of perspectives and innovative solutions. Their contributions not only underscore the urgency of addressing menstrual health, but also demonstrate the power of youth-led initiatives in fostering a world where menstruation is no longer a barrier to equality and opportunity.