SOFFIA MAGAZINE 6TH EDITION

22 MENSTRUAL HYGIENE DAY CELEBRATION IN THE
20GAMBIA
Throughout the world, Menstrual Hygiene Day is officially observed
on May 28. It is celebrated on 28 May due to the fact that
menstrual cycles last 28 days on average and people menstruate
five days on average each month (May is the fifth month of the
year). It aims to advance menstrual health as a biological process so
that people do not feel stigmatised or excluded as a result of menstruation,
and that they are treated more fairly and don’t feel like less. The
campaign also raises awareness of period poverty, a phenomenon of
being unable to purchase the menstrual supplies necessary for managing
health and hygiene.
In The Gambia, several organisations commemorate this day each year,
but this year was special because most of the organisations focused on
improving menstrual hygiene and addressing menstruation-related issues
formed a coalition. It was intended to gather efforts and host a larger celebration.
There are about eleven different non-profit organisations in The
Gambia that make up the coalition.
On Saturday, the 28th of May 2022, the coalition held a match-past
from Senegambia to the Sir Dawda Kairaba Conference Center,
where they joined UNFPA, The Gambia for an event filled with activities
on menstrual hygiene and health. Among the attendees were students
from all over the country as well as high level personalities, including the
Minister of Gender, Children, and Social Welfare. There were two panel
discussions held, in which students talked about period shaming and
menstrual health. To decrease pad puberty, reusable sanitary pads were
given to young girls and women at the end of the event.
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