Menstrual Hygiene Day

Menstrual Hygiene Day (MH Day), May 28th, is an annual global event to raise awareness about the challenges women and girls face due to menstruation and to highlight solutions that address these challenges.

For a large portion of the world's female population, a few days of a menstrual period are "a time of shame".

Menstruation is a natural process in which the blood produced by the body to cushion the egg will flow out of the body if the owner of said egg is not pregnant. It is a normal act that millions of women around the world go through and this day seeks to remove all taboos associated with it.

After all, the bodily process that allows the conception of offspring should be organized, surely?

What is Menstrual Hygiene Day?

Menstrual Hygiene Day, also known as MH Day, was created to draw attention to period poverty and to address the stigma associated with menstruation. It is also an opportunity to highlight how important it is for every person who menstruating to have access to safe and hygienic products and spaces while on their period.

MH Day was first introduced by the German non-profit organization WASH United in 2013. Since its first anniversary in 2014, MH Day has grown significantly into the global advocacy platform it is today.

History of Menstrual Hygiene Day

Menstrual Hygiene Day was created by the German-based NGO WASH United in 2014. The day was established to normalize menstrual activity and the importance of sanitation access during this time, with the support of more than 270 global partners.

Interestingly, the reason May 28th was chosen as May is the 5th month of the year - most women on average get their periods in 5 days and their cycles tend to be 28 days. So in a way, May 28th is especially iconic!

Today, ensure that awareness is raised about women's access to menstrual hygiene around the world. It is a fundamental human right for women around the world to be provided with appropriate blood collection materials during this time, and this material is subject to change in complete privacy.

The organizers behind the day also asserted that precise means of washing were made available to women at this time, and that young women provided accurate educational materials about the changes that would occur on their body.

Menstruation is a biological fact, and this day is meant to ensure that any form of stigma associated with it is stopped and girls are taught that this is natural and nothing is ashamed.

How to celebrate Menstrual Hygiene Day

In some parts of the world, the simple act of menstruating is a subject of shame. You can donate to various charities to help get the right information sent to schools and ensure that women in such places get the support they need.

Perhaps today is a good day to write to your congressman about the tampon tax, or could you consider the fascinating history of menstrual health?

On Menstrual Hygiene Day, make sure you join the conversation on social media using the hashtag # #mensturalhygieneday!