By Danlette Grace Washington (Photo by Amma, Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi)

As the world observes Menstrual Hygiene Day, with the theme as “Period Friendly World,” it calls for a global effort to prioritize menstrual health and ensure that all individuals can experience their periods without shame or hardship.

Around the globe, people celebrate the progress made in advocating for menstrual health and raising awareness to end the isolation and stigma that women often face during their periods.

Moreover, the goal of this day is to break the silence and highlight the importance of good menstrual hygiene management. It seeks to address the taboos and stigmas associated with menstruation and promote access to menstrual products, education, and sanitation facilities.

Menstrual Hygiene Day, observed annually on May 28th, symbolizes the average 28-day menstrual cycle and the average five-day duration of menstruation.

Established in 2014 by the German-based NGO WASH United, the day aims to ensure that menstruating individuals, particularly in low-income and marginalized communities, can manage their periods safely, hygienically, and with dignity.

Also, sharing about the World Menstrual Hygiene Day, Ohio community leader and advocate Kawther Musa said “In Somalia, cultural norms often result in girls not receiving adequate education about menstruation. This lack of education leads to menstruation being a topic that many girls feel they must hide, and it is rarely discussed openly among women.

“This silence can contribute to misinformation and stigma surrounding menstrual health. Promoting open conversations and providing education about menstrual hygiene are essential steps toward breaking down these barriers and ensuring that girls and women have the knowledge and resources they need to manage their menstrual health with dignity.”

Commissioner Kawther Musa who is a community advocate and health professional known for her extensive work in healthcare and public service emphasized the importance of understanding Islamic teachings on menstruation, which recognize it as a natural and significant aspect of a woman’s life.

According to her, “Islamic teachings provide clear guidance on menstrual hygiene and related practices, promoting cleanliness and personal hygiene during menstruation. Islam exempts menstruating women from certain religious duties, such as fasting during Ramadan and performing regular prayers, to respect their physical condition.

“However, women are encouraged to engage in other forms of worship and remembrance of God during this time,” Kawther said.

“Open and respectful discussions about menstruation are encouraged within families to ensure that girls and women are educated about this natural process. These teachings aim to remove any stigma or shame associated with menstruation and emphasize its normalcy and importance in a woman’s life.”

Commissioner Kawther Musa plans to host more open health discussions for women and girls in her community, in addition to creating educational videos to help those without access to basic health information.

She said that “These initiatives are designed to provide comprehensive understanding of health basics and promote better health practices among women and girls, thereby empowering them with knowledge and reducing stigma associated with various health issues.

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