Pilot Project Proposal on Feminine Health and Hygiene: Access to Ecological, Affordable and Sustainable Menstrual Hygiene Products in Women Protection Centers and Family Guidance Centers

Abstract

Menstruation is a natural phenomenon in women and girl’s life and yet millions of menstruators are denied the right to manage their period in dignity and in a healthy manner around the world. From taboos within religious practices to the modern corporate taxes on menstrual products in the western world, menstrual health and hygiene is linked to gender inequality, discriminatory social norms, cultural taboos, poverty, conflicts, lack of basic services and access to health care and health products. Afghan women and girls are not spared from these insecurities, menstruation in the Afghan society is a subject that cannot be mentioned publicly nor privately. According to the available data, Afghan women do not have access to menstrual products due to poverty, market proximity, and lack of subject knowledge. In fact, it is sadly documented that a girl misses one week of school due to her menstruation. This pilot project aims to change the current approach on menstruation and accessibility of menstrual products through stakeholders and civil societies that run Human shelters, family guidance centers, family protection centers and other health facilities by awareness sessions within the community, trainings and economic empowerment on pads productions and various other menstrual products. The outcome of this pilot project is to give back the dignity to afghan menstruators by allowing them to have access to products but mainly to understand that menstruation is not a shame and also get familiar with what is available for them. The activities are carried out in socially acceptable manner in order to reach remote areas of Afghanistan once the pilot project becomes eventually a national project.