Patrick McGahren
As we mark International Day for Menstrual Hygiene we explore how period poverty precludes access to physical activities and education, and how Girls in Sport is fostering sustainable solutions to this global challenge.
As part of our Sponsor a Champion initiative, we work with local communities to provide reusable, washable pads that are included with our kit bags. Ensuring that no girl is left behind or at a risk just because of their menstrual cycle.
Providing a safe space to play sport is one thing, but provision of sanitary-wear is intrinsic to helping girls continue to regularly take part in sport.
These pads are washable and fully reusable, and are kinder for the envionment. They’re affordable and hygeinic and allow girls to attend school and compete in sport without having to be ashamed or embarrassed.
Menstrual Hygiene Day is an extremely important event in bringing awareness and ending the taboo around periods for girls. Education about periods and the menstrual cycle, access to menstrual products and safe hygienic spaces are essential rights for girls to help end the stigma and eliminate potential health risks.
The overarching theme for 2024 is ‘Together for a #PeriodFriendlyWorld’, aiming towards making menstruation a normal fact of life by 2030.
The World Bank estimates at least 500 million women and girls globally lack access to the facilities they need to manage their periods. With 1.25 billion women and girls having no access to a safe, private toilet. 526 million have no access to a toilet at all. In many developing countries, it’s estimated that half of all women and girls are forced to use makeshift items to manage their periods. Items such as rags, grass and paper are dangerous substitutes that can lead to health issues and infection. Especially if the women or girl has been subjected to female genital mutilation (FGM), a practice that is sadly still prevalent accross the globe, not just in the Global South.
Girls missing out on days of school and physical activity due to periods can have serious implications for their future, having a direct impact on literacy and essential skills. Thus, this can lead to a palpable consequence of falling behind boys further adding to already existing inequalities.
We are delighted to be able to work with and support local people, while ensuring all our girls are provided with the support needed to achieve the same dreams as boys in our communities .