Global Menstrual Hygiene Day

Ahead of World Menstrual Hygiene Day (28 May 2023), the Government of Lesotho and development partners are renewing their commitment to accelerate access to menstrual health and hygiene services for young girls and women. Menstrual Hygiene Day takes place on the 28th May every year and aims to raise awareness about the importance of good menstrual hygiene.The day brings together non-profits, government agencies, individuals, the private sector and the media to advocate for and consolidate action towards a world where no one’s potential is held back because they menstruate. This year the theme for Menstrual Hygiene Day is ‘Making menstruation a normal fact of life by 2030.’

Poor menstrual hygiene is caused by a lack of appropriate information on the issue, persisting taboos and stigma, limited access to hygienic menstrual products, and poor sanitation infrastructure. It undermines the learning opportunities, health, and overall social status of women and girls worldwide. As a result, millions of women and girls are kept from reaching their full potential.

In Lesotho, many adolescent girls and women of reproductive age face many challenges in managing their menstruation in different settings – households, schools, workplaces, etc. The country lacks adequate sanitation infrastructure – appropriate menstrual management materials, sanitation facilities, water supply, and handwashing facilities. As a result, many individuals, especially in deprived areas, still use clothes, rags, or even leaves to manage their menses. Using these materials can be dangerous to health and lead to stigmatization.

The Government of Lesotho is committed to accelerating access to menstrual health and hygiene services. Together with development partners, the government continues efforts towards   making menstruation a normal fact of life. Specifically, we aim to increase access to: (1) accurate, timely, age-appropriate information on menstruation. (2) Effective and affordable menstrual materials (3) Supportive facilities and services, including water, sanitation, and hygiene services, for washing the body and hands, changing menstrual materials, and cleaning and/or disposing of used material (4) Timely diagnosis, treatment, and care for menstrual cycle-related discomforts and disorders (5) Positive and respectful living and learning environments – free from stigma and psychological distress.

In 2022, Lesotho held its inaugural National Consultation Forum on Menstrual Health and Hygiene to catalyze these efforts. Graced by Her Majesty, Queen ‘Masenate Mohato Seeiso, the Forum brought together over 100 participants from key government institutions, civil society organizations, the private sector, development partners, research and learning institutions, learners from schools and community members. This year, several activities are lined up including a Fundraising Hike at Matsieng organized by Hlokomela Banana and menstrual hygiene day commemoration organized by World Vision Lesotho at Pitseng Primary School, in Leribe.

This year’s Menstrual Hygiene Day presents an opportunity for community members, advocates, national and district government leaders, non-governmental organizations, and businesses to unite around efforts to make menstruation a normal fact of life in Lesotho. It also presents an opportunity for better coordination between actors and improved targeting of people who are most affected.

Let’s all be committed and make menstruation a normal fact of life!