Starting your period is a new and vulnerable experience for many. Which is why it is so important to talk about this topic and make sure we all have the resources we need to stay safe and healthy. But sadly, not everyone can manage their periods with dignity. Every month, 1.8 billion people worldwide menstruate. However, gender inequality, discriminatory social norms, cultural taboos, poverty, and lack of access to toilets and sanitary products can all cause menstrual health and hygiene needs to go unmet. During emergencies, such as conflicts and natural disasters, they experience a range of difficulties. Millions of women and girls around the world caught up in these situations not only lack access to menstrual hygiene items but also have limited access to clean, private bathrooms and bathing facilities. This is why @‌UNICEF's work to promote menstrual health is so important. With partners, UNICEF provides social support, knowledge and skills such as sewing renewable napkins, hygienic facilities and services like toilets and safe water and access to period products. With the Menstrual Hygiene Day Coalition, UNICEF brings menstrual services closer to women and girls and helps them manage their periods hygienically and with dignity. So let's come together and break taboos around periods on this #MenstrualHygieneDay and every day. Why? Because #MenstruationMatters. Period. ‌ © UNICEF/UN0641403/Malawi © UNICEF/UN0655063/Kolari © UNICEF/UN0337699/Oo
