Celebrating Womanhood How better menstrual hygiene management is the path to better health, dignity and business

WSSCC believes that ignoring the menstrual hygiene needs of a woman is a violation of her rights. Breaking the taboo starts with the right to information and knowledge and the ability of women and girls to talk freely about menstruation. It extends to practical dimensions such as privacy, water for washing clothes, spaces for drying and dignified disposal of used materials wherever girls and women, play, study, work or relax. Breaking the taboo also means creating alternative spaces for women and girls to discuss menstruation freely.

Although much of the Celebrating Womanhood was spent discussing issues, problems and wrongs, an equal amount of time was also spent discussing possible solutions, partnerships and progress. There was criticism, but also celebration. Most of all, there was excitement about the meeting being a catalyst for new encounters between different sectors, professionals and specialisms. [author abstract]