By Huzaifa Sani Ilya

Menstruation, a fundamental aspect of human biology, remains one of the most misunderstood and stigmatized natural processes in our society. Too often, it is seen solely as a private concern for women, a view that deepens stigma and fails to recognize the shared responsibility we all have in supporting women’s health and dignity. It’s time to rethink this perspective and understand that menstrual health is not just a women’s issue, but a shared human concern.

A Shared Human Concern
Menstrual health and hygiene should never be viewed as issues that concern women alone. While it is true that women experience menstruation and bear its physical pain, empathy is a universal gift. Every man, born of a woman, shares a connection with women in various roles—whether as sons, brothers, friends, or partners. In many cultures, including Islamic traditions, men are regarded as guardians and protectors of women, supporting them physically, emotionally, and financially.

Why, then, should men not also be involved in alleviating the challenges women face during menstruation? Menstruation is a natural and essential process in a woman’s life, and while women endure the physical discomforts, men too experience the emotional and social impacts of this process. Yet, many of the hardships women face are rooted in cultural neglect, lack of awareness, and insufficient education, especially in rural communities.

This gap in awareness often results in menstruation being surrounded by stigma, misinformation, and silence. It’s time to break this silence. Men must come together to support women by understanding the menstrual process and promoting better hygiene practices. Only through education can we create a stigma-free environment where open discussions about menstruation are normalized.

Understanding the Basics of Menstruation
At its core, menstruation is the shedding of the uterine lining, a natural and healthy sign that the body is functioning normally and preparing for pregnancy. Menstruation typically lasts between three and seven days, occurring roughly every 28 days. However, this varies from person to person and can be influenced by factors such as age, health, and lifestyle.

Despite its naturalness, menstruation is often misunderstood and misrepresented. In many cultures, menstruating women are treated as impure, isolated, or even ostracized. For instance, some men refuse to eat food prepared by their wives during menstruation, a practice based on outdated and harmful beliefs. In countries like Nigeria, such stigmas are pervasive, especially in rural areas, where young girls are sometimes married off as soon as they begin menstruating, regardless of their age or readiness. This tragic practice denies them an education, stunts their personal growth, and limits their opportunities to contribute to society.

Breaking Myths Through Awareness
Thankfully, initiatives like PSI Nigeria are making significant strides in addressing menstrual health. These organizations are working to raise awareness in rural communities, helping both men and women gain a better understanding of menstruation and its significance. However, much more needs to be done, especially in areas where cultural taboos continue to limit open dialogue.

Education is key. Girls must be educated on what constitutes a normal menstrual cycle, which typically occurs every 21 to 35 days with bleeding lasting between three to seven days. They must also learn to recognize abnormal signs—such as heavy bleeding, severe cramps, or unusual discharge—that may indicate health problems. Without open discussions, many girls cannot identify these warning signs, and the conditions often go untreated, leading to infections or more severe health complications.

Awareness also provides practical knowledge on how to manage common menstrual discomforts like cramps, bloating, and mood swings. Unfortunately, many parents, especially in conservative cultures, are too shy to discuss menstruation with their children, and as a result, girls often face challenges in understanding their bodies. This silence perpetuates stigma and hinders healthy development. For societal change to occur, we must address these gaps and create an informed, compassionate society that encourages open communication about menstrual health.

Towards a Healthier Future: Modern Solutions and Education
With the world rapidly evolving, so too have the tools available for menstrual hygiene. In the past, women often had to rely on unsanitary materials that could lead to infections or other health issues. Today, however, thanks to advances in science and technology, sanitary products are safer, more hygienic, and more easily accessible.

Access to these products is vital. Menstrual health is an essential part of overall well-being, and every woman and girl should be empowered with the knowledge and resources to manage it. An open, stigma-free conversation about menstruation is crucial for raising awareness, dispelling myths, and creating healthier, more inclusive communities.

The Shared Responsibility: Men and Women Together
Breaking the silence on menstruation is not only a women’s issue—it is a human responsibility. Men and women must work together to create a society where menstruation is understood, respected, and treated with the dignity it deserves. When we normalize conversations about menstrual health, we begin to dismantle centuries of stigma, shame, and silence that have hindered girls and women from living freely.

Every girl deserves the right to education, and no girl should miss school simply because she cannot afford sanitary products or feels embarrassed about her period. No woman should be made to feel unclean or unworthy because of menstruation.

Governments, schools, religious leaders, and communities all have a crucial role to play. Policies that ensure girls, especially in rural areas, have access to sanitary products should be prioritized. Schools must incorporate menstrual health education into their curricula, and parents must engage in open and honest discussions with their children. Additionally, religious leaders should use their influence to correct misconceptions and promote a more understanding approach to menstruation.

Menstrual Health as a Matter of Public Health and Social Justice
Menstrual health is not just a private issue but a public health concern, with far-reaching implications for education, social justice, and equity. By fostering empathy, promoting awareness, and ensuring equal access to hygiene products, we can build a society where every woman and girl can live with confidence and dignity, free from stigma and discrimination.

As we work toward a world that respects menstrual health, we lay the groundwork for a future where girls and women are no longer marginalized because of a natural, biological process. Together, we can create a society where menstruation is not only understood but embraced as a vital part of every woman’s life.

Huzaifa Sani Ilyas writes from Kano

huzaifasaniilyas@gmail.com

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