SOS MENHEMA
SOS Menhema
We’re excited to tell you about our new project, SOS Menhema. SOS is a call for help, and Menhema stands for MENstrual HygienE MAnagement, which is about helping girls and women take care of their health during their periods.
This initiative aims to deliver menstrual hygiene products that are more sustainable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly to women and girls in Africa. We’re starting in South Africa with a test project.
What makes us different is that we’re not just giving out products from @palesapads; we’re also teaching people about staying healthy through public health education.
We appreciate the support from our volunteers and project interns, who will be crucial in implementing and expanding the initiative.
If you want to make a difference in the lives of these girls and women, you can donate using the button below.
Description
We envision an African population that reaches a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being. Thus our menstrual hygiene project takes on a socio-ecological model of health.
Such a model acknowledges the reciprocal relationship between health outcomes and the environments in which people live, work, and play. This model also acts to reduce social inequities by empowering individuals and communities.
Maternal & Child
Current Maternal and Child Health data in South Africa shows the link between gender inequality, menstrual hygiene management, and school absenteeism. Inadequate mental health management support inhibits the empowerment of women and girls. Research shows that lack of access to menstrual absorbents among adolescent girls in low and middle-income communities is associated with sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), higher urine and reproductive tract infection rates, and early pregnancies.
Mental Health
Inadequate menstrual hygiene management has been associated with adverse mental health outcomes. Researchers identified that heavy menstrual bleeding is associated with depressive symptoms in school-aged girls in rural Gambia, and girls were more likely to use reusable cloths/towels even though they had access to free disposable pads. The lack of menstrual health management is associated with increased stress, feelings of shame, disgust and anxiety amongst adolescents.
Environmental Health
The use of disposable pads has a significant impact on the environment. With a lack of or limited waste management, non-reusable and commercial items are often disposed of directly into the environment. Schools usually lack adequate sanitary facilities, such as the lack of a disposal system, broken toilet doors, or a poor water supply.
Ethics
Menstrual hygiene is a human rights issue. Menstruation is related to human dignity when people cannot access secure bathing facilities and cannot safely manage their menstrual hygiene.
All humans have the right to health, education, work, water and sanitation, and non-discrimination. Menstruation-related teasing, exclusion, and shame also undermine the principle of human dignity, beneficence, and social justice. They create barriers to sanitation and social opportunities.