A national dialogue styled "menstrual health and hygiene" brought all stakeholders together on Sunday to accelerate the efforts to eradicate menstrual poverty in Bangladesh.
Menstrual health and hygiene are fundamental human rights essential for gender equality, education, and overall well-being.
However, taboos, stigmas, and limited access to information and resources continue to pose significant challenges for millions of women and girls in Bangladesh.
According to the National Hygiene Survey 2018, only 30-36% of women in Bangladesh were aware of menstruation before their first period.
The Local Government Division of the LGRD ministry organised the Sunday's event in partnership with UNFPA, Unicef, Global Affairs Canada and Menstrual Health and Management Platform.
Local Government Secretary Muhammad Ibrahim, UNFPA Representative Kristine Blokhus, and Unicef Representative Sheldon Yett were present as guests at the event, said a press release.
The participants emphasised the importance of innovative financing, continuing the exemption of VAT, and potentially waiving other duties and taxes on importing raw materials, various types of menstrual products, and production and sales of menstrual products.
They also encouraged public-private partnerships to ensure that the burden on girls, women and their families is minimised.
Two adolescent girls shared their personal experiences at the event, sparking a deep discussion about the real-life challenges that women and girls face.
The discussion also delved into systemic barriers and root causes that perpetuate menstrual poverty in Bangladesh.
Kristine Blokhus stressed the significance of providing accurate information about menstruation, and reproductive health.
She also emphasised the need to ensure the availability of menstrual products to empower girls in making informed decisions about their bodies, health, and well-being.
Secretary Muhammad Ibrahim highlighted the significance of promoting menstrual hygiene management, providing sanitary pads in schools, and educating about menstrual health.
Sheldon Yett stressed the importance of gender-separated toilets in schools to empower girls to manage their menstruation safely and without shame or fear.
He stated that every girl must have access to safe period products as well as information about puberty and menstruation.
