Menstruation and its stigmatization | Dr. Anita Schug in Rohingya Language

Rohingya Medics Organisation

“First Period” (Menarche) should not become the end of freedom and joy to live a normal life for maturing young Rohingya girls.

Our girls should not be sentenced for home confinement instead of continuing at school, play with their friends and carry on with pursuing their individual ambitions, hobbies and everyday chores and routines.

Menstruation is an internal natural physiological change which is nothing unusual to be ashamed or stigmatized about.

Girls and women who menstruate should have access to affordable sanitary pads, necessary hygiene products (aid), water and safe places for regular changing of sanitary napkins.

Girls who have entered puberty, women and the entire community (which does include men) must be educated and counselled through the awareness sessions to avoid stigmatization of menstruation.

Due to COVID-19, mostly Rohingya women and girls in Bangladesh refugee camps are experiencing difficult times during their monthly menstruation cycles as most washing spaces lack basic facilities that are necessary for them. They need soap to clean themselves and wash inner garments, water and eco-friendly disposal system and dumping grounds.

During the global healthcare crisis, all girls and women, no matter where they are should be allowed to maintain good hygiene during their monthly periods. Proper nutrition, hydration and rejuvenation to prevent anaemia should also be practised and greatly encouraged.

Menstruation is another normal fact of life.

Let not our young girls and women suffer when we can ease their sufferings through very simple measures.