WORLD MENSTRUAL HYGIENE DAY STATEMENT

📢 WORLD MENSTRUAL HYGIENE DAY STATEMENT

On the occasion of World Menstrual Hygiene Day, observed globally on 28 May, the Ghana Students Association of Research, Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Creative Arts aligns with the international community in reaffirming its commitment to advancing menstrual health, dignity, and gender equality for all girls and women.

This year’s observance underscores the need to strengthen menstrual health management systems, eliminate stigma and discrimination, and ensure that all adolescent girls and women are able to manage menstruation safely, hygienically, and with dignity—without disruption to education, participation, or wellbeing.

🩸 Menstruation as a Biological ProcessMenstruation is a natural physiological process that forms part of the reproductive health cycle. It occurs when the uterus sheds its lining through the vagina in the absence of pregnancy.

This process is regulated by hormonal changes and is a normal sign of reproductive health.Menstruation is not a disease, infection, or condition, and should not be associated with shame or exclusion.

🌿 Menstrual Pain (Dysmenorrhea): Causes and UnderstandingMenstrual cramps occur when the uterus contracts to expel its lining. These contractions are triggered by hormone-like substances known as prostaglandins.

The intensity of menstrual pain may vary among individuals due to:Variations in prostaglandin levels Individual physiological Sensitivity stress, fatigue, or lifestyle factors In some cases, underlying reproductive health Condition while mild to moderate discomfort is common, severe or persistent pain requires clinical evaluation.

🩺 Management and Prevention of Menstrual Discomfort the following measures are recommended to support menstrual wellbeing and reduce discomfort: Application of warmth to the lower abdomen (e.g., heat compress)Regular light physical activity, including stretching or Walking adequate hydration and balanced Nutrition sufficient rest and Sleep stress management techniques, including relaxation and breathing Exercises use of appropriate analgesics where necessary, under medical Guidance seeking medical attention in cases of severe or unusual symptoms

🩸 Recommended Menstrual Hygiene Practice use clean and safe menstrual products and change them every 4–6 hours or as needed wash hands thoroughly with soap and clean water before and after changing menstrual products Clean the external genital area daily with clean water; avoid internal cleansing or use of harsh Chemicals wear clean, breathable underwear and change it Regular ensure safe disposal of used menstrual products in designated waste bins; avoid flushing into toilets maintain adequate hydration and balanced nutrition throughout the menstrual cycle.

🌿 Post-Menstrual Health Practices Maintain consistent personal hygiene, including proper washing of underwear with clean water and Soap monitor for abnormal symptoms such as persistent pain, unusual discharge, itching, or odor, and seek medical care when Necessary ensure preparedness for subsequent cycles through adequate access to menstrual Products track menstrual cycles to support reproductive health awareness and early detection of irregularities.

📚 Call to Action menstrual health is a fundamental component of public health, education, gender equality, and human dignity.

The persistence of stigma, inadequate facilities, and limited access to menstrual products continues to undermine the rights and wellbeing of millions of girls and women globally.

The Association therefore calls upon governments, development partners, educational institutions, civil society, and community actors to:Strengthen comprehensive menstrual health education Ensure equitable access to affordable menstrual Products improve water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure in schools and Community promote open, stigma-free dialogue on Menstruation integrate menstrual health into broader health and gender equality Frameworks together, we must build a world in which every girl and woman can manage menstruation safely, confidently, and with dignity, without barriers or discrimination.

Ghana Students Association of Research, Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Creative Arts Advancing Research • Innovation • Entrepreneurship • Creative Arts for Sustainable Development