- August 20, 2024
Periods are something that half the population of the world, i.e. women or close enough to it, is going to go through throughout their lives. Yet, they’re met with a whole lot of stigma and misconception, which only gets worse if you happen to be living in parts of the world where talking about periods could be considered a taboo. While, over time, the topic of menstrual health awareness has focused predominantly on women and girls, there is a growing recognition that men stand in a position to influence a more inclusive environment for understanding and promoting better management of menstruation. As partners, fathers, brothers, educators, and leaders of society, men can play a big role in breaking the silence over menstruation.
Questioning Stigmas and Myths
Probably the most important role men can take on in menstrual health work is to help break this cycle of stigma and assertion that menstruation leaves women dirty, impure, or ill. It also tackles misconceptions about menstruation, thereby degrading it from being “dirty” or “shameful” to being something that does not exist. This, therefore, fosters a culture where such subjects are a common point of discussion, not ashamed of their bodies. It can be a real conversation starting from home, where men are capable of making a difference. Fathers and brothers can make a difference by providing girls with trust and understanding that they will always have someone to come to.
Teaching Oneself and Others
Men can also make their contribution in terms of educating themselves and others. Men learn how to support the women in their lives. They do this by being educated about the menstrual cycle, products, and related challenges. However, that education should not stop in the nuclear family. Some men, especially teachers, coaches, and other community leaders are in fine positions to educate. In that respect, male allies who advance the cause of menstrual hygiene and protection of reproductive health can support comprehensive menstrual education to have better facilities in terms of period awareness products and policies making provisions for people who are experiencing menstrual discomfort within the bathroom.
Access to Menstrual Products
For so many women and girls globally, menstrual products remain inaccessible on economic grounds. From the home to the policy level, men in power can make these products more accessible. It could be anything from a father making sure his daughter has those products available at home to policies that include menstrual products in public assistance programs but exclude tax from them.
Promote Gender Equality
Involving men and menstruation in menstrual health awareness is equal to a greater measure of gender equality. Men can help break down such patriarchal norms by not treating periods as “women’s issues” beneath male notice. Menstruation is a natural part of health; thus, the involvement of men in this issue means that men and women can openly talk and act on health issues in society.
Conclusion
It is also quite important to involve men in discourse regarding menstrual hygiene. Men can make a meaningful difference in the lives of women and girls who stigmatize menstruation. This engagement is not only good for people who have cycles, but it is also vital for society, since awareness, knowledge sharing, and support are crucial. In fact, while we work toward a society where the aspects of menstruation are not taboo, men have the opportunity and obligation to get involved in progressing the discourse on menstrual health as allies.
