Hey everyone! It’s time to talk about something super important: periods. Yep, I said it. Periods. It’s 2024, and we need to stop being so weird about it. Here’s why we need to normalize periods and end period poverty in Malaysia. Jom, let’s go!
1. What’s Period Poverty?
Period poverty is when girls cannot afford menstrual products. It’s not just about pads and tampons. It’s about not having what you need to stay clean and comfortable. It’s a big deal, okay? Imagine using newspapers or daun pisang because you can’t buy pads. Some girls even dig through the rubbish for cloth. 😭
The National Population and Family Development Board’s 2023 Menstrual Management Status Study Report revealed 9.9 percent of 130,000 female students have “problems obtaining products to manage their periods.” We need to change that!
2. Break the Taboos
Periods are natural, lah. Half the world has them. But many girls feel malu or get teased for it. That’s just not cool. We need to talk about periods openly. No more giggling or awkward silences. Just facts. It’s time to break the taboos and end the stigma.
3. Affordable Menstrual Products for All
Pads and tampons shouldn’t cost a bomb. The government cut the “pink tax” in 2018, which is great. But it’s not cukup. We need free or cheaper products for those who can’t afford them. Scotland gives free pads and tampons. Why not Malaysia too?
4. Periods Affect School Attendance
BTW, findings from a 2022 Kotex Period Poverty and Stigma study revealed that more than 1 in 2 girls in Malaysia reported wanting to miss school when on their periods. This indicates that in this day and age, periods still pose a mental barrier in how a girl perceives herself as well as her willingness to participate in school and daily activities.
5. Education is Power
Schools need to teach about periods, sex, and puberty. Children need the facts. Teachers should be cool about it, no awkwardness allowed. Parents should talk to their kids too. The more we know, the less scary periods become.
6. Better School Bathrooms
Many girls skip school during their period because of lousy toilets. They need clean, private toilets and places to wash up. Good WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) facilities keep girls in school. Education rocks, so let’s make sure crappy loos and periods don’t get in the way.
7. Health Matters
Bad hygiene during periods can make girls sick. We’re talking infections and other health problems. Using safe, clean products is key. Good menstrual hygiene keeps girls healthy and happy. Tak payah pening kepala.
8. Innovate and Educate
New products like reusable pads and menstrual cups can help. And it’s good for our planet too! Use tech to spread the word. Apps and social media can teach about menstrual health. Let’s use every tool we have. Confirm, we can do it.
Time for Change
Menstrual hygiene is a human right. It’s about dignity and equality. By talking openly and breaking down the stigma, we can make a big difference. Let’s ensure every girl can manage her period with pride and confidence. Periods are natural, so let’s treat them that way. Everyone can help.
via GIPHY
Policymakers, listen up! Make menstrual health a priority. Ensure pads are available in schools, workplaces, and public toilets. Advocate for menstrual health in all health and education plans. Jangan tunggu lagi.
Community leaders, para cikgu, parents, and friends should support girls. Let’s talk openly and crush the myths. Menstruation isn’t a curse; it’s a natural part of life.
Let’s end period poverty. Let’s talk periods. Habis cerita.
Share Your Story
Hey, got a story about periods? Maybe a funny one, or something you learned? Share it with us! Let’s keep the conversation going. Your voice matters. #TalkPeriods #EndPeriodPoverty #PeriodFriendlyWorld
