{"id":229189,"date":"2024-09-27T11:02:28","date_gmt":"2024-09-27T15:02:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.globalgiving.org\/learn\/?p=229189"},"modified":"2024-12-28T13:04:53","modified_gmt":"2024-12-28T18:04:53","slug":"menstrual-health-for-women-and-girls-with-disabilities","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.globalgiving.org\/learn\/menstrual-health-for-women-and-girls-with-disabilities\/","title":{"rendered":"Better Menstrual Health For Women And Girls With Disabilities Is A Win-Win For Everyone"},"content":{"rendered":"

T<\/big><\/b>he term is long but the definition is simple: menstrual hygiene management<\/a> means a woman or girl has clean material to absorb her menstrual blood and can change it in private as necessary. It means she has access to soap and water and a safe and convenient place to dispose of used menstrual materials. It means she has facts about menstruation and can manage it with dignity and without discomfort or fear.<\/p>\n

Menstrual health is a critical aspect of well-being for all women and girls, yet it remains out of reach for some 500 million women and girls<\/a> every day. The issues are compounded for many women with disabilities around the world. The question we should be asking is not just whether disabled people menstruate\u2014of course, they do\u2014but what menstrual products work best for them. <\/p>\n

As a manager for Femme International<\/a> who has devoted my career<\/a> to ending the global menstrual taboo, I want to know: Why aren\u2019t we investing more in developing and providing menstrual products that are accessible and effective for people with disabilities? How can we advocate for greater inclusion in menstrual health and well-being if we don’t implement comprehensive measures to address the issue? <\/p>\n

Increased awareness and education about how menstrual health inclusion can benefit families and communities locally and globally. Consider the impact it could have for families, particularly menstruators with disabilities, to have access to information such as educational practices on menstrual management, menstrual products, and maintaining personal hygiene during their periods.<\/p>\n

We need to address how menstrual challenges affect those with disabilities and ensure they are not overlooked or neglected. It’s time to recognize and remove the barriers that women with disabilities face, especially when it comes to menstruation. <\/p>\n

I believe starting with their needs will benefit everyone.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

When it comes to product design, for example, \u201ceven small acts of attentiveness can yield significant results by making products usable by a larger population,\u201d an article in the MIT Sloan Management Review explains<\/a>. <\/p>\n

Complexities of menstruation for people with disabilities<\/h3>\n

Managing menstruation can be particularly complex for people with disabilities, especially those with chronic conditions like endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome. Women and girls with disabilities are twice as likely to live in poverty<\/a> compared to their non-disabled peers, further compounding their challenges in accessing menstrual products and information. <\/p>\n

The combination of limited access to products, inadequate resources, and pervasive stigma creates an environment that restricts menstruators with disabilities from participating fully in daily activities, including school, work, sports, and social or religious events. Their reproductive and mental health suffers, reducing their ability to participate in community life, make decisions, and improve their financial agency and overall quality of life. <\/p>\n

However, disability is not a one-size-fits-all experience, and this extends to menstruation.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

For example, someone with rheumatoid arthritis might struggle to remove a pad or menstrual cup, while a menstrual cup might be the ideal solution for someone with a different type of disability. These unique needs highlight the importance of developing and providing various menstrual products and solutions that cater to different disabilities\u2014and different geographies and communities. <\/p>\n

How to make life easier for women and girls with disabilities in East Africa<\/h3>\n

Where I live and work In East Africa, managing menstrual health is acutely challenging for women and girls with disabilities due to limited access to menstrual products, inadequate sanitation facilities, and a lack of appropriate educational resources. Empowering these individuals is crucial for promoting their dignity, health, and well-being. <\/p>\n

The combination of lack of access to products, information, and resources combined with shame and stigma creates an environment that limits menstruators with disabilities to participate in daily activities including school, work, sports, and social\/religious activities. Their reproductive and mental health suffers, ultimately, decreasing their ability to participate fully in their community and decision-making, their financial agency, and their quality of life. <\/p>\n

I see six solutions that would make a life-changing difference for women with disabilities in East Africa.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The six solutions are: <\/p>\n