Menstrual health is an essential aspect of overall well-being, yet it is often overlooked in educational settings. Schools have a unique role in providing young students with the tools and knowledge to manage their periods with confidence and dignity. Making menstrual health a priority in schools is vital, as it helps to promote open conversations, ensure access to menstrual products, and reduce the stigma around periods. Here’s why menstrual health deserves to be part of every school’s agenda.
Educating Students Early
Many students first encounter menstruation with little to no understanding of what it involves, which can lead to confusion and embarrassment. Schools that implement menstrual education programs allow students to learn about the menstrual cycle, how it works, and how to manage it. Such programs not only educate girls but also include boys, fostering a more inclusive environment that normalizes conversations around periods.
Campaigns like a menstrual hygiene awareness campaign help students understand the biological process behind menstruation, reducing the stigma around menstruation by making it part of their normal health education. Education at an early age empowers students to manage their health confidently and ensures that they feel prepared and supported.
Providing Access to Menstrual Products
One of the biggest challenges for students, especially those from low-income backgrounds, is access to proper menstrual hygiene products. When schools prioritize menstrual health awareness, they also make strides in providing necessary hygiene products to those in need. By ensuring access to sanitary napkins, tampons, or menstrual cups, schools can prevent students from missing classes due to a lack of resources.
Efforts to donate feminine products through school partnerships can make a real difference in students’ lives. Feminine hygiene donation drives can bring awareness to the community about the importance of accessible menstrual products, and feminine hygiene products donations directly benefit students who might otherwise go without.
Reducing Absenteeism and Improving Focus
Menstruation-related absenteeism is a significant issue worldwide. Lack of access to menstrual products and the fear of social stigma force many students to stay home, missing valuable class time. By prioritizing sanitary napkin awareness and making products readily available, schools can ensure that students attend classes without fear of embarrassment or discomfort.
Having awareness of sanitary napkins and other products accessible in schools means students can focus on their studies instead of worrying about managing their periods. Reducing absenteeism through adequate support leads to better academic performance, encouraging students to stay engaged and committed to their education.
Fostering an Inclusive Environment
Creating an environment that openly addresses menstrual health promotes inclusion and reduces shame. For too long, periods have been considered a taboo topic, making students feel isolated or uncomfortable when they start menstruating. By integrating menstrual education and product accessibility into the school environment, students can experience a supportive and inclusive space.
Programs that encourage students and staff to talk about menstruation can help reduce the stigma around periods and build a more accepting school culture. Awareness about sanitary napkins and other products teaches all students that menstruation is natural and not something to be ashamed of.
Join the Utpat Foundation in Supporting Menstrual Health and Education in Schools
We are Nishka Utpat and Kaanchi Utpat, founders of the nonprofit charity Utpat Foundation in Paterson. Our mission is to raise menstrual health awareness and support young people by providing access to essential products. The foundation organizes feminine hygiene product donations and works to reduce the stigma around periods through education.
Get in touch with us to support this important mission.
