Menstrual Health Month: The Bleeding Crisis

For the last decade, the month of May has been universally recognized as Menstrual Health Month. During this period, the global community gathers in various parts of the world to honour  Menstrual Health Month. From panel discussions to awareness walks, May gives period positivity an elevated platform. This year marks ten years of shining the spotlight on menstrual health. This is an issue that affects every household, the employed, the unemployed, the rich, the poor, the rich, the marginalized and the list goes on. Menstrual health remains a political issue. A decade into creating a period-positive world, with little yet significant progress around menstrual policies in the world, this is a bleeding crisis.

Understanding Period Positivity

By definition, period positivity is an educational movement aimed at removing the stigma around menstruation. Coined by researcher and author Chella Quint, it promotes autonomy, and inclusive education. In an ideal period-positive society, no menstruator would be embarrassed by their period no matter where or when it starts. In fact, they would have proper access to healthcare related to their menstrual health, as needed. No one would be using newspapers, cow dung, old clothes or leaves like 500 million people in the world. In an ideal period positive world, no one would be shamed for being on their period at work, church or at a sports field.

Creating a period-positive world is about creating a safe space for menstruators to simply exist. It is a society where menstrual health education is a collective responsibility where men and boys don’t frown at a little girl’s stained skirt with disgust. Rather, one where they can tap here on their shoulder to alert her and offer help if possible. It’s a world where period products are tax-free and less harmful products are used to make them.

10 years in, where are we now?

Policy level

Menstrual leave has been a topical issue, from as far back as the 1920s. In 1947, Japan instituted the law known as Seiri Kyuka, which requires companies to grant female employees leave if requested, though it does not mandate that the days be paid. Other countries like South Korea, Taiwan, Indonesia, China and Vietnam then followed suit in various ways. For example, in Indonesia, women are granted 1 to 2 days of paid leave per month. In Africa, Zambia became the first country to mandate one day menstrual leave, with some Kenyan counties allowing for two days of paid menstrual leave. The conversation around the policy remains feint as some countries continue to battle with geopolitical tensions while countries like South Africa have not even scraped the surface. The country’s Parliament only held a colloquium once this year to discuss the matter. Studies have shown that periods are so bad that women cannot even show up for work, yet they can’t afford to miss it because they might not make enough to put bread on the table.

Period product ingredients

Earlier this year, South African Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, assured the public that there is currently no evidence to justify withdrawing menstrual health products from the market due to concerns over endocrine-disrupting chemicals. The announcement followed a February study done by the University of Free State, which found that every sanitary pad and pantyliner tested contained at least two EDCs, regardless of whether the products were marketed as “chemical-free”.  “ Regulators need to continue with their regulatory frameworks, surveillance and consumer protection as they have been doing all along,” Motsoaledi said in a press briefing. Both the study and the presser caused anxiety and panic in the public, from menstruators to the parents of girl children. A valid concern that remains unanswered. In essence, EDCs have been around for a long time and nothing can be done to prevent their existence in period products used by many. The most dangerous effect is chronic health issues.

Where to from here?

It is evident that menstrual health still has a long way to go. iMenstruate founder Tracy Malwana argues that inclusion begins with ensuring that boys learn about menstruation alongside girls, as part of comprehensive education. “Beyond schools, men must also be included in wider public education, workplaces and community dialogue,” she further added. Conversations around menstrual leave must be kept on the table and lips of lawmakers. Private businesses must also be meaningfully included as they play a crucial role in the lives of menstruators through their products. Menstrual health is as political as any pressing global issue. It is imperative that it is treated with the urgency and seriousness it requires.

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About the Author:

Selokela Slu Molamodi is a conversationalist. She is a Kaya News reporter, a producer, a writer and a Master of Celebrations. Over the years, Slu has contributed meaningfully to community development programmes, including Generation G and Young Urban Women. She is a proponent of youth empowerment and collaboration.