Period Poverty and Menstrual Hygiene: The Overlooked Dimension of SDG 3

The sustainable development goals 3 calls for ensuring lives and promoting health and wellbeing for all. Yet one of the most silent threats to wellbeing remains under addressed. Period poverty an often-overlooked part of menstrual hygiene, refers to the inability to afford period care products during menstruation due to lack of funds. Period poverty does not only compromise health physically but also mentally, another under addressed dimension in global health discussions.

Millions of women and girls around the world who cannot afford menstruation products are often stigmatized, isolated and low self-esteem. The psychological burden of this can be as damaging as the physical. Studies have linked increased rates of depression and anxiety in women to period poverty. In some parts of the world today, women are already discriminated due to menstruation, they view this process as an unclean thing, where one should bury her head in shame, when in fact it is the opposite. Menstruation should be observed with dignity, pride and confidence.

I embarked on two outreaches targeted at addressing period poverty, debunking myths and empowering over 300 girls with sanitary products for menstruation. I saw myself in these girls, their young curious gazes, their confusion and joy at finding one whom they could share their burdens with. Through these programs, I discovered that lots of girls still use unhygienic alternatives that although are cheaper could pose significant threat to their health. Below are the photos from these outreaches.

By

Magdalene Akhere Osaghae