SHARE: Fast facts

While searching for information on menstrual health in developing countries one thing quickly became very clear: menstrual health is a non-issue for not only many developing countries, but also the NGO's that support them. Trying to find facts, studies and previous research was a challenge with few people or organisations showing an interest in menstrual health or feminine hygiene issues.

This was surprising for a number of reasons, one being that women are often the main contributors and providers in developing countries, so it seemed absurd that their health was being ignored. Sure, it's a complex issue with many different fronts that needed to be attacked, but when 50% of the population was suffering and struggling greatly it didn't seem to be rocket science that something needed to be done.

Eight years ago the UN set 8 goals for the world to help reduce inequity and poverty in developing nations. At least 5 of those goals directly relate to women, children, health and the environment, which, in turn, are directly affected by feminine hygiene concerns. Many organisations have argued that their lack of attention to these concerns are fuelled by a lack of funds that need to be directed towards bigger problems such as hunger, poverty and disease. However, despite limited research the facts are that focusing on smaller problems such as menstrual management will also assist in these greater global battles. For example, lack of waste disposal of sanitary items means an increase in sanitation and environmental problems, which themselves spread disease. A lack of menstral management programs such as provding pads to school age girls means that the goals of universal education and gender equality cannot be met as so many girls are forced to leave school when their periods start.

The facts are that:

- of the 113 million children not attending school, 60% are girls
- there is a direct correllation between the onset of puberty and the reduction in girls attendance rates at school
- lack of adequate and hygenic sanitation products directly affects the spread of diseases such as HIV and hepatitis. 
- there is a direct relation between fungal disease and the use of damp or poorly cleaned menstrual cloths
- 75% of women surveyed in developing countries believe their menstruation is unclean and something to be ashamed of

This is a situation that must be resolved. It's a problem that can easily be fixed and a number of creative solutions such as producing low cost 'organic' disposable products, providing access to free or low cost reusable cloth pads, and educating women on the importance of using hygenic practices when managing their periods.

Every woman has at one time or another thought about how inconvenient her period is despite having access to a range of safe, clean and inexpensive products. Imagine life without it.