‘Dynamics Around Taboo Culture Need to Change’
Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, Mereseini Vuniwaqa on the eve of World Menstrual Hygiene Day called on individuals (particularly men and boys), heads of households and communities to change the dynamics around the taboo culture regarding menstrual hygiene. Ms Vuniwaqa yesterday said the challenge posed by menstrual hygiene management for girls and women in general was real.
“It is the most natural thing that happens to a girl’s body and must be a priority in whatever sector of our nation that women and girls engage themselves in,” Mrs Vuniwaqa said. “The challenge is even greater for women and girls in rural settings or in areas where clean water and toilet facilities are inadequate. Girls and women choices of menstrual hygiene materials are often limited by the costs, availability and social norms,” she said.
“In Fiji, the challenge is further compounded by cultural beliefs of certain communities where it is a taboo to discuss menstruation openly.
“As long as such beliefs persist, the girl child will continue to view her menstrual cycle as a shame.
“This limits women and adolescent girls access to relevant and important information about the normal functions of their own body. This directly affects their health, education and dignity.”
Mrs Vuniwaqa said there was a need to unite and create awareness about menstrual hygiene.
“Menstrual Hygiene Day, marked on May 28 each year is an important event and opportunity for individuals, governments, non-government organisations, social businesses and the media to take a united stand in creating awareness about menstrual hygiene management for women and girls around the world,” she said.
“Public information campaigns can be launched and such initiatives can help engage decision-makers at all levels from the home to the community to the state in dialogue to make menstrual hygiene a matter of priority.
“Providing adequate sanitation facilities and access to feminine hygiene products are another part of the solution. “We must begin creating a culture that welcomes discussion and adequate education for women and girls of equal importance. Research has found that not having access to menstrual hygiene management products can keep girls home from school.”
Ms Vuniwaqa added: “The ministry recognises women organisations like the Ba Women’s Forum to look at alternative, reusable feminine hygiene products to make accessibility easier and support initiatives of this kind in every way possible.
“The ministry prioritizes the distribution of hygiene packs particularly targeting women and girls post disasters, creating access to basic need items like menstrual hygiene products.
“Such efforts complement Government’s initiative in making menstrual hygiene products duty free in recognition of the importance of such products to the development of women and girls.”