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After reading the title of this post, I can imagine you have questions. Is National Menstrual Hygiene Day really a thing? What does that have anything to do with pageantry? Isn’t that too much information? We as females know all too well about the dreaded menstrual cycle. I am pretty sure you have experienced this visitor during pageant week while you are trying to secure the crown. Talk about an unwelcome distraction! Whether you are craving chocolate or managing debilitating pain, menstruation can affect your physical, mental, or emotional well being. Why I am addressing this issue?
First, as someone who has battled with endometriosis, I know how menstruation can impact someone living with disease. Secondly, although many of us are fortunate and blessed to have access to feminine products to take care of our needs during that “time of the month”, that is not always the case around the world. Girls from some of the poorest countries have to stay home from school weeks at time due to no education on proper menstrual hygiene care and a lack of access to items such as sanitary napkins. Every year on May 28, Menstrual Hygiene Day is recognized to bring awareness to this issue and end the stigma of menstruation.
As queens it is our responsibility to serve our communities and shed light on issues like these that matter. In honor of Menstrual Hygiene Day, I have provided three ways you can support the cause.
- Host a menstrual hygiene education forum
It is important to educate others on the importance of menstrual hygiene. Hosting an open forum will allow you to share with others key facts about menstrual hygiene and allow others to share their own thoughts and personal stories. These forums can be hosted at schools, churches, libraries, or community centers. It is time to end the stigma of menstruation by empowering others with knowledge.
- Create a social media awareness campaign.
Many of us live on social media so why not use your social media for good? Educate your audience today about the importance of menstrual hygiene. Go to Menstrual Hygiene Day or UNICEF to research information and use the #MHDay2019 in your posts. You never know the impact of a post or tweet until you do it.
- Host a feminine hygiene products drive.
Grab your sister queens and collect sanitary napkins, tampons, panty liners, soap, wipes, and underwear for your feminine hygiene products drive. I am personally a fan of Cherish Sanitary Napkins because they are free from toxic chemicals, and they are a healthier option for women and girls. You can set up your drive at your local library, church, or other place of business. These items can be donated to nonprofit organizations that cater to women and girls or homeless shelters. Organizations like #HappyPeriod or she thing would love your support and donations because their mission is to provide proper menstrual care to impoverished communities.
Related content: Krystle Clear Product Review: I Got My Period on Pageant Day! (Part II)
Take the time to participate in Menstrual Hygiene Day. You never know what life or lives you may impact because your knowledge, conversation, or support. At the end of the day, no woman or girl should go without proper menstrual care.
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