Honouring the Strength of Women During Menstruation

Each year, on May 28, the world commemorates Menstrual Hygiene Day, a time to raise awareness about period poverty, stigma and the urgent need for menstrual education. I might be late to the party this year, but let me dance before the music fades. 

If you work with or follow organizations that empower girls and women, this day is probably familiar. But for those who don't know, May 28 was purposefully chosen. The number 28 symbolizes the average length of a menstrual cycle and May, the fifth month of the year reflects the average five days that most women menstruate. Interesting, right?

Every year, the focus rightly centres on ending period poverty and dismantling the stigma surrounding menstruation. These are critical issues. But this year, I found myself thinking about something else, something deeply personal and often overlooked: the strength it takes to simply live through menstruation every month. 

Let's talk about that. Each month, millions of women and girls show up for life while battling physical and emotional pain, cramps, migraines, fatigue, mood swings, back pain and more. Some lose their appetite and others isolate themselves.

A soft blanket,junk food,being alone-This is what sometimes surviving your period can look like-Picture from Pinterest.

Many take painkillers just to get through the day and some even resort to injections because the pain is so intense. But many suffer in silence, either because treatment is unaffordable, unavailable, or surrounded by cultural shame. Still they carry on, going to school, run businesses, sit for exams. 

They take care of children, families and communities. All while waging a silent war within their own bodies. And society rarely pauses to acknowledge this. We normalize the discomfort so much that we forget it takes immense courage just to function. 

We often talk about the shame women are taught to feel about menstruation, but not enough about the strength it takes to endure it and to keep going when the world offers no break. 

Menstruation is not just a health or hygiene issue, it is a matter of dignity. It sits at the intersection of human rights, public health, and gender equality. So yes, let's talk about period poverty. Let's demand access to pads and clean toilets. But let's also talk about the power in the pain. Let's honour the quiet, consistent resilience that blooms every month.

We look forward to a future where governments and policymakers enact laws that ensure free menstrual products are available in schools and public facilities. Where boys are included in menstrual health education to foster empathy and dismantle stigma from an early age.

We envision workplaces that recognize the impact of menstruation, offering flexibility, fostering supportive environments and providing free products where possible.

Lets build a community that supports ,understands and stand with women during their periods-Picture by Towera Ngwira.

To our communities, normalise conversations around menstruation. Speak openly to your daughters and your sons. Let period talk be part of family dialogue not hidden in whispers.

To every woman reading this, your pain is real. Your strength is valid and no need to apologise for being human. Don't shrink and never hide.

Menstrual Hygiene Day may fall once a year, but for half the world's population, menstruation is a monthly reality. Let's build a world where that reality is met with respect, empathy and meaningful action.

Image from Pinterest

To every woman and girl who has ever smiled through cramps, pushed through exhaustion or hidden her pain to appear "normal' 'always remember that you are honored, you are not alone, you  are strong, powerful and you deserve more than just a day of awareness because you deserve a world that truly cares.