Menstrual Hygiene Day 2024 – Together for a Period-Friendly World

Menstruation is a natural body process, yet for millions around the world, it is considered a sign of shame and limits their career growth due to the stigma attached to it. Menstrual Hygiene Day, observed annually on May 28th, aims to break down these barriers and create a world where everyone can manage their periods with dignity and access.

In this brief article, we’ll look at the importance of Menstrual Hygiene Day and how you can get involved to bring a change for the better.

Why is Menstrual Hygiene Day Celebrated?

Here are a few reasons for celebrating Menstrual Hygiene Day:

Break the stigma: Traditionally, menstruation has been surrounded by taboos and silence. Menstrual Hygiene Day aims to break down these barriers and foster open conversations about this natural process.

Raise awareness: Many people, especially in developing countries, lack access to proper menstrual hygiene products and education. Menstrual Hygiene Day highlights these challenges and works to find solutions.

Empowerment: When girls and women lack access to proper period care, it can limit their participation in school, work, and daily life. Menstrual Hygiene Day ensures everyone can manage their menstruation with dignity and without hindrance.

A Brief Menstrual Hygiene Day History

It started a decade ago, and since then, it has significantly improved the quality of life for many women. It all started with a social media campaign 2013 by a German-based NGO, WASH United. The month-long campaign, “May #MENSTRAVAGANZA”, aimed to initiate conversation around menstruation.

The positive response to the social media campaign fueled the creation of an official awareness day. On May 28th, 2014, the first-ever Menstrual Hygiene Day was observed worldwide. Events like rallies, workshops, and exhibitions marked the occasion.

Since then, MH Day has grown significantly. Partner organizations, individuals, and media outlets have played a considerable role. In 2023, for instance, the movement reached over 700 million people globally, pushing back stigma and raising awareness like never before.

What’s the Theme for Menstrual Hygiene Day 2024?

Menstrual Hygiene Day 2024 theme is “Together for a #PeriodFriendlyWorld.” This theme emphasizes collective action in creating a world where:

• Stigma and taboos surrounding menstruation are a thing of the past.
• Everyone has access to menstrual products, education, and necessary facilities.

How You Can Get Involved in Menstrual Hygiene Day 2024?

Here are some ways you can play your part in raising awareness on menstrual hygiene day:

Educate yourself and others

• Learn more about MHM challenges faced globally. You can find resources on the MH Day website.
• Talk openly about menstruation with friends, family, and colleagues.

Take action in your community

• Organize a workshop or talk about MHM at your school or workplace.
• Volunteer at a women’s shelter or organization that distributes menstrual products.
• Donate menstrual products to those in need.

Support organizations working on MH Day

• Donate to organizations working on menstrual health initiatives.
• Spread the word about their work on social media.

Raise awareness on social media

• Share informative posts about MHM using the hashtag #PeriodFriendlyWorld.
• Host a Q&A session on your social media platform to answer questions about menstruation.