It’s a natural process, but when women and girls don’t have the things they need to manage menstruation – like access to water, privacy, information and hygiene products – it can be a serious health risk. Problems like urinary tract infections can happen that can even cause future infertility and problems during childbirth. That’s why the Vanuatu Red Cross Society is working to help make sure women and girls in Penama have everything they need for good menstrual hygiene.
In partnership with the Ministry of Health through the Protection, Gender and Inclusion and Disaster Law, Dignity, Access, Participation and Safety (DAPS), VRCS Health Assistant and volunteers in Penama Branch have been providing awareness to 5 targeted communities-CP1 CP2 in Pentecost, Penama Province on Protection, Gender and Inclusion (PGI), Child Protection (CP), and Prevention of Sexual Exploitation Child Abuse (PSEAH), Nutrition training, Food Nutrition, HYGIENE PROMOTION, F-DIAGRAM and Harassment. Menstruation Hygiene Management (MHM) is something we don’t often talk about – but sikmun or Menstruation is a part of life! However, in disasters, these challenges can be increased.
Women and girls in targeted communities in Pentecost, Penama Province took part in an awareness sessions by VRCS Volunteers to learn how to manage their health and well-being and how the menstrual cycle functions as part of the female reproductive system. The sessions enable girls to make informed decisions about their bodies and understand why staying in the community is so important for their future.
