Last week, we celebrated meditation, tea and riding your bike. This week’s celebration is more for the ladies, but can still be embraced by men in order to support the women in their lives.
This weekend, we have Feminine Hygiene / International Day of Action for Women’s Health day on 28 May. This date was chosen because most women have periods for at least five days, and their cycles start every 28 days. The goal is to promote women’s reproductive health rights and break the stigma associated with menstrual cycles.
Why it’s important
It is said that at least 1/10 girls in Africa will miss school each time they menstruate. This is because many girls cannot afford the necessary sanitary pads or tampons. There are also many health conditions that may affect one’s period.
Von Willebrand disease is a lifelong condition that causes poor blood clotting and has a haemorrhagic affect during a period. This means that each period will have heavy flow, often lasts longer than five days and will be extremely painful. Your doctor may prescribe a coagulant, a hormonal contraceptive and pain medication to alleviate these symptoms. The condition may affect up to 1/100 women.
Other conditions such as endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome may affect your menstrual cycle as well.
Read more: When conceiving is difficult
Unfortunately, many women reach adulthood without ever having gone to a gynaecologist or having the funds for the treatments they need. The same goes for women who prioritise their families or other costs of living, and just endure it all.
Why men should support the cause
It’s simple, you support your sisters, mothers, daughters, nieces, cousins, girlfriends and wives. Many men are uneducated on how menstrual cycles work. Although the topic is a taboo, it is a natural process, and learning more about it will help to break the stigma.
How you can help
If you have the means to do so, sponsor a woman or girl with sanitary products. You can donate to schools in your area, child welfare organisations or women’s shelters.
We can deliver your sanitary products, medication, supplements, cosmetics, fragrances and other Mopani online shopping, nationwide. Contact us for info: mopani.co.za | crossing@mopani.co.za | Tel: 0137555500 | WhatsApp: 0661921703
