Period Poverty | Diana Nelson | TEDxIntl School Of Uganda

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Menstrual Health Challenges

Alice from Kenya faced humiliation, punishment, and exam failure due to lack of menstrual products, hindering her university prospects.
Eunice from Malawi experienced confusion, shame, and isolation during her first period due to lack of education and support.
Christine from Kenya resorted to sexual transactions for menstrual pads, resulting in pregnancy and homelessness.
In rural Kenya and Uganda, girls engage in sexual transactions for menstrual products, affecting their education and opportunities.
The harmful practice of "chapati" in Nepal isolates menstruating women and girls, leading to health risks and stigma.

Globally, 500 million women and girls lack access to adequate menstrual products, impacting their education, health, and well-being.
Menstrual health encompasses education, facilities, services, a positive environment, care and treatment, and unrestricted participation in activities.
Ignoring menstrual health has significant costs, including health challenges, early marriages, shame, presenteeism, absenteeism, and decreased productivity.
Menstrual health issues affect women and girls from all backgrounds, not just in low to mid-income countries but also in high-income countries.

Period poverty, the lack of access to menstrual products, is a real issue affecting individuals even in affluent communities.
Open conversations about menstrual health and period poverty can normalize the topic, reduce stigma, and empower individuals to seek support.
Educating both women and men about menstrual health is crucial for creating a supportive environment and addressing menstruation-related challenges.

Eunice's experience highlights the importance of addressing menstrual health and breaking the stigma.
After dropping out of school, Eunice returned in her early 20s with knowledge about periods and became an advocate for menstrual health.
She partnered with the First Lady of Malawi to address menstrual health in the country.

The speaker challenges the audience to have conversations about period poverty and menstrual health to break the stigma and ensure women and girls can manage menstruation with dignity.