The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is intensifying its call for governments and global partners to prioritize menstrual health as a critical education and human rights issue. With millions of girls around the world still facing significant barriers to managing their periods safely and with dignity, UNICEF is urging investment in gender-responsive sanitation facilities and comprehensive menstrual hygiene education especially in schools.
In a statement issued ahead of Menstrual Hygiene Day, observed annually on May 28, UNICEF highlighted that lack of access to clean water, private toilets, and affordable menstrual products continues to fuel school absenteeism and high dropout rates among adolescent girls, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
“Too many girls are forced to stay home or drop out entirely simply because they lack a safe and private space to manage their period,” said Catherine Russell, Executive Director of UNICEF. “This is a global crisis that deserves immediate attention menstrual health must be recognized not just as a health issue, but as a matter of gender equity, educational opportunity, and basic human dignity.”
The Hidden Toll of Period Poverty
According to UNICEF estimates, approximately 500 million people worldwide lack access to adequate facilities for managing menstruation. In sub-Saharan Africa, one in 10 girls is estimated to miss school during menstruation, sometimes up to 20% of the academic year. In South Asia, taboos and misinformation around menstruation persist, often leading to shame, isolation, and unsafe hygiene practices.
Girls who are unable to manage their menstruation effectively often face stigma and embarrassment, leading to stress, diminished confidence, and disengagement from classroom participation. In more extreme cases, the cumulative impact of absenteeism contributes to girls falling behind academically, eventually leading to early school leaving, child marriage, or restricted economic prospects.
A Call for Structural Change
UNICEF is advocating for a multi-sectoral response to menstrual health management (MHM), emphasizing that infrastructure alone is not enough. The organization is calling for:
- Safe, private, and hygienic toilets in schools equipped with water, soap, and disposal bins
- Free or subsidized menstrual products, especially for girls from low-income households
- Menstrual education integrated into national curricula for both boys and girls to combat stigma
- Training for teachers and school staff to address menstrual health sensitively and accurately
- Policy-level commitment and investment from governments and international donors
“Improving menstrual health in schools is not just about pads or toilets — it’s about creating environments where girls feel safe, supported, and empowered to learn,” said Sanjay Wijesekera, UNICEF’s Director of Programmes.
Local Efforts, Global Responsibility
While progress has been made in some countries such as Kenya’s provision of free sanitary pads in public schools and India’s menstrual health campaigns UNICEF warns that momentum must accelerate if global targets are to be met. The agency has aligned its menstrual health agenda with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially those relating to quality education (SDG 4), gender equality (SDG 5), and clean water and sanitation (SDG 6).
Grassroots organizations are also stepping up. In Uganda, the charity AFRIpads has partnered with local schools to distribute reusable sanitary kits and conduct health workshops. In Nepal, school-based WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) clubs led by students themselves are driving awareness and improving menstrual practices.
Breaking the Silence
Beyond the infrastructure and supplies, UNICEF underscores the importance of breaking the silence around menstruation. In many cultures, menstruation is still shrouded in secrecy and shame, reinforcing gender-based discrimination and exclusion.
“Girls often internalize the idea that menstruation is something dirty or embarrassing and that can shape how they see themselves, their bodies, and their worth,” said Dr. Joannie Bewa, a UNICEF health advisor. “We must normalize conversations about periods, especially among boys and men, so menstruation is seen not as a barrier, but as a natural part of life.”
Looking Ahead
As UNICEF marks another Menstrual Hygiene Day, it is calling on global leaders to transform pledges into policies and policies into tangible, on-the-ground support. The agency stresses that the time for awareness is over; what’s needed now is sustained action and investment.
“Every girl has the right to attend school without fear of embarrassment, stigma, or pain,” said Russell. “Menstrual equity is not just a girls’ issue it’s a global development imperative.”
source: gazettengr.com
