Menstrual Health Hygiene Ecosystem in Bangladesh

Menstruation marks the beginning of womanhood, symbolizing not just normal vaginal bleeding but also the dignity of a woman. Every month, 1.8 billion girls and women worldwide experience menstruation, making it one of the most common and natural biological processes (Khan, Shusmita, Kanta Jamil,, Quamrun Nahar, 2022). But in the world, especially among adolescent girls, women continue to encounter stigma, taboos, and social exclusion during menstruation, which can result in harmful practices. Cultural and religious traditions surrounding menstruation often stem from discriminatory, patriarchal norms that dictate a girl’s status and place in society. These deeply ingrained beliefs contribute to the lack of resources and support for menstrual health. As a result, at least 500 million girls and women – one in four of the world’s female population of reproductive age – are deprived of the essential supplies and facilities needed to manage their periods (Jahan & Opel, 2020). This includes access to sanitary pads and clean toilets, with the situation being particularly severe in developing countries.

 In Bangladesh, a significant portion of women and girls rely on cloth for menstrual management, with 68% of women and 55% of adolescent girls using it as their primary material as sanitary napkins are considered as luxury to them. However, proper hygienic practices are notably lacking, as only 18% of women and 12% of adolescent girls wash these clothes with soap and dry them in sunlight (Gurung et al., 2023).

On the other hand, a heavy number of girls do not find a friendly environment to maintain a healthy menstruation. This inadequate hygiene practice contributes to severe health issues, as evidenced by a 2015 study which revealed that 97% of Bangladeshi women suffer from cervical infections due to unhygienic menstrual practices (Khan, Shusmita, Kanta Jamil,, Quamrun Nahar, 2022). Unhygienic menstruation practices are a significant barrier preventing girls from reaching their full potential. Many girls face health challenges and social stigmas due to inadequate menstrual management, which can impede their education and personal development. Even 30% of schoolgirls reported missing an average of 2.5 days per month due to their periods as they do not have the environment to manage their menstruation (Jahan & Opel, 2020)

It is essential to establish a comprehensive menstrual health ecosystem that provides girls with the resources and support they need. This ecosystem should offer affordable and accessible menstrual products, accurate education on menstrual hygiene, and a supportive environment that normalizes menstruation. Shapla Wellbeing, a healthcare technology company, is dedicated to creating a comprehensive menstrual health hygiene ecosystem. By offering educational training and affordable menstrual products, Shapla aims to ensure that every woman has access to essential resources. Our products are distributed from urban to rural areas, increasing availability and accessibility for all. Through this initiative, Shapla is committed to empowering women with the knowledge and tools needed to manage their menstruation effectively, ensuring that no woman must compromise her dreams due to inadequate menstrual health support.

References

Gurung, P., Rajbanshi, R., Bastien, S., & Luitel, B. C. (2023). Menstrual Hygiene Management. 14–29. https://doi.org/10.4018/979-8-3693-0607-9.ch002

Jahan, H., & Opel, A. (2020). Menstrual Menstrual Hygiene Health Management and Hygiene. June, 1–18.

Khan, Shusmita, Kanta Jamil,, Quamrun Nahar, A. A. (2022). Taking measures before opportunities bleed away: Current knowledge and policy gaps in menstrual hygiene management among adolescent girls in Bangladesh. Technical Brief, October, 1–45.