Menstrual Dignity Is A Human Right, Not A Luxury
Princess-Ekwi Ajide
As inflation, climate disasters and humanitarian emergencies continue to reshape lives across the world, gender justice advocates are insisting that menstrual dignity must no longer be treated as an afterthought but recognised as a fundamental human right.
Speaking during a global SHE & Rights session marking the International Day of Action for Women’s Health and Menstrual Hygiene, activists and health experts warned that millions of menstruating persons are being pushed deeper into period poverty as economic hardship and climate-related disasters worsen.
Founder of the Global South Coalition for Dignified Menstruation, Radha Paudel, said dignified menstruation goes beyond access to menstrual products and is deeply rooted in the rights to dignity, equality, freedom and non-discrimination.
She argued that menstrual discrimination reinforces patriarchy and exclusion, particularly for women, girls, persons with disabilities and members of the LGBTQI community whose needs are often ignored in policy planning and emergency response.
Advocates from Asia and Africa highlighted how rising inflation has forced many families to choose between buying food and menstrual products.
In crisis situations such as floods, fires, conflicts and displacement, access to clean water, privacy, underwear and menstrual products often remains neglected despite being critical to health and dignity.
Ugandan activist Angel Babirye described menstrual products as essential items rather than luxury goods, warning that many girls are compelled to use unsafe alternatives or extend the use of products beyond recommended periods, increasing the risk of infections and school absenteeism.
Participants also called for menstrual health to be integrated into disaster preparedness plans and humanitarian responses, stressing that menstruation does not stop during wars, natural disasters or economic crises.
The advocates urged governments, development partners and humanitarian organisations to prioritise menstrual health, promote menstrual literacy and ensure that every menstruating person can manage their periods with dignity, regardless of circumstance.
Follow the Savinews Africa channel on WhatsApp:https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VawgaEL5vKA9Y5XTFg0n
