The Importance of Menstrual Health for the entire community

Dr Nayana Suraweera – resource person for period poverty awareness programmes

Menstrual health and hygiene are factors that are associated with social wellbeing and community upliftment. Yet period poverty continues to be a factor to be reckoned with, says Dr Nayana Suraweera, one of the resource persons associated with the Period Poverty Awareness Programmes that are held throughout the country, supported by Fems.

“Menstrual health is a key phenomenon that governs the physical health and well-being of women and girls. It is directly linked to their overall physical, emotional, and reproductive wellness. A healthy menstrual cycle indicates proper hormonal balance and the effective functioning of the reproductive system. Although menstrual health is a biological process specific to women, it is also connected to broader social aspects such as relationships, health, the economy, and culture. Menstrual health plays a fundamental role in supporting women’s reproductive well-being, influencing the birth and upbringing of healthy children, and shaping the overall quality of life in society.” She says.

As per Un estimates, there are approximately 4.2 million menstruating women and girls in Sri Lanka. However, menstrual hygiene remains a topic not openly addressed due mostly to outdated yet deep rooted cultural norms and beliefs.

“It means that girls only learn about menstruation when they experience it for the first time, leading to fear, confusion, and misinformation. Religious and traditional beliefs also contribute to this stigma, as menstruation is sometimes associated with impurity, limiting women’s participation in cultural or religious activities. The lack of comprehensive reproductive health education in schools further prevents young people from understanding menstruation as a natural biological process.”

“Awareness helps normalize menstruation and dispel myths that cause shame or fear. Proper education teaches safe hygiene practices, such as the correct use and disposal of sanitary products, which help prevent infections and health complications. It also boosts girls’ confidence, enabling them to attend school and women to work or engage in daily life without restriction. “

“ In addition, it is important to educate boys and men on the normalization of periods so that they can be empathic and understanding.” She points out, “ This creates a more respectful and supportive environment. Overall, menstrual hygiene education promotes health, respect, gender equality, and a more informed society.”

Menstrual poverty refers to the lack of access to safe menstrual products, adequate sanitation facilities, proper disposal methods, and education about menstrual health. In Sri Lanka, this remains a major issue. A 2024 study found that nearly 50% of households with menstruating women did not spend money on menstrual hygiene products. According to the Department of Population and Statistics and the World Health Organization, the menstrual poverty rate stood at 41% in 2018.

Both urban and rural women face challenges due to limited awareness, stigma, and inadequate facilities. High taxes on imported menstrual products make them unaffordable for many. Economic hardship, policy barriers, poor sanitation infrastructure, cultural taboos, and geographical disparities—especially in plantation and low-income communities—further limit access. Consequently, women and girls are exposed to greater health risks, emotional distress, stigma, and even school dropout, reinforcing existing social and economic inequalities.

Click on here “Mothers, Daughters & Period Talks: Building a Positive Dialogue in the Face of Period Poverty”

Collective community action is needed to address menstrual poverty through awareness, education, and support.

Conversations should be encouraged in schools, workplaces, religious institutions, and homes to break the silence and normalize menstruation as a natural health process. Community health workers, teachers, youth leaders, and women’s groups should take active roles in educating both girls and boys about safe menstrual management and hygiene practices.

“As someone who worked to deliver this program to schoolchildren, I found the Fems sponsored awareness program to reduce menstrual poverty truly commendable and impactful. By openly educating young girls about menstrual health and hygiene, it encouraged a healthier and more confident approach to menstruation. The sessions provided practical knowledge on managing menstruation safely and emphasized affordable, eco-friendly options such as reusable cloth napkins.” Dr Nayana says in conclusion.

A safe environment was created where students could ask questions without fear or embarrassment, and their concerns were answered with care. This initiative not only supported the physical well-being of young girls but also strengthened their emotional confidence and self-esteem. By empowering the younger generation with accurate information and practical resources, Fems plays an essential role in building a more understanding, inclusive, and supportive society.

Click on here “Empowering communities in the North East and Upcountry with awareness on normalizing menstruation”