Menstrual Hygiene campaign seeks to break cultural stereotypes among men and boys

As we observe Menstrual Hygiene Day, the Ministry of Education is advocating for policies to support improved Menstrual Hygiene for girls in South Sudan. 

 

Menstrual Hygiene Day is commemorated annually on 28 May, to raise awareness about menstrual health management and break the stigma and taboos that surround menstruation. 

 

The National Ministry of Health and the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), are launching a one-month campaign to lobby for more attention to menstrual hygiene. 

 

The campaign seeks to break taboos and stereotypes surrounding menstruation that often keep girls away from school.

 

Stakeholders will also lobby for provision of suitable hygiene facilities in schools and tax exemptions on sanitary napkins and other essential hygiene items.

 

The Director for development Partners in the Ministry of Education, Esther Akumu, Tobijo Denis Sokiri Moses, a health advisor with the Rescue Initiative South Sudan and Mary Marle UNFPA, Programme Analyst on Adolescent and Youth sat down with Sebit William to explore this often-shunned topic.