UNFILTERED| Part one : WHY TALKING ABOUT MENSTRUAL HYGIENE HEALTH MATTERS

Welcome to UNFILTERED where we are breaking myths, spilling facts and keeping it a 100 on Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights. Where young voices flip the script on SRHR.

We’re chatting about menstrual hygiene today. Let’s be honest, periods shouldn’t be a secret, yet in Cameroon, they’re treated like something you hide in your bag or talk about “lowkey”. It’s surprising how many girls still miss school because no one wants to talk about menstrual hygiene. The truth is; it’s not just about staying “fresh” it’s about our health, dignity and rights.

Let’s chat about the routine: it’s giving…… “silent treatment”

Sometimes if not most of the time, the subject of menstrual hygiene is rarely mentioned and one could even think it is of no importance in the society. It should be mentioned in places that can cause the most impact like; schools, homes and even policy making rooms in order to create awareness, reduce stigma surrounding the topic and increase accessibility of essential materials to those in need. Take for example;

• Pads now are way too expensive for many families.
• Menstrual leaves are inexistent.
• Education in regards to the matter is often skipped like the topic is a taboo or it doesn’t matter.
• Stigma around the topic is terrific.

It’s like the society pretends that periods don’t exist but we can all see the consequences of ignoring it loud and clear.

Why I Think These Conversations Need to Happen

• Education is power: when we talk openly on the subject, we not only educate girls but men as well. That way girls don’t have to skip classes or feel ashamed.
• Health is safety: when girls can easily gain access to the right products and have basic knowledge, we have the possibility of preventing and reducing the rate of infections. As we say “prevention is better than cure”.
• Dignity equals respect: we have to know that periods are not “dirty”, they’re natural and proves that a woman is healthy and going through a normal biological phase. Respecting that equals respecting her human rights.

Let’s Chat on a Global Perspective

All over the world, people and organizations are advocating for free pads in schools, menstrual leave policies and open conversations. Cameroon even signed the Maputo Protocol to protect women’s rights ad dignity under which menstrual hygiene falls but it appears that our system is not aware of that.

The Obvious Consequences

• School dropouts: the inaccessibility of pads to some if not most girls will obviously lead to missed classes because no one wants to go to school feeling uncomfortable or with the thought that you might get stained given the fact that you aren’t wearing the appropriate material during this period. I know for a fact that I won’t go to school if I’m in that position. Missing a lot of classes will most likely lead to a failure in the exams thereby delaying the dreams of this young girls which accessibility to a packet or two of pad would have prevented.
• Lack of knowledge: it is surprising how a lot of young people (male like female) are not aware or have no idea on the basics of menstrual hygiene. A natural occurrence that cannot be prevented or stopped.
• Unsafe Hacks: using rags, papers or tissue and other random thins during menses due to lack of means can cause infections.

The Real Spill

Menstrual hygiene is not just vibes, its advocacy. It’s not a luxury, it’s a right. Youth ignite is not here to talk lowkey, we’re here to shout, educate and flip the script on how SRHR is viewed.