CLIMATE CHANGE EFFECTS ON GIRLS MENSTRUAL HYGIENE

By: Prince Wako

Climate change has become one of the most pressing challenges of our time, impacting various aspects of human life. One area that has received less attention but is equally important is how climate change has affected girls’ menstruation hygiene. Limited access to clean water and sanitation facilities due to extreme weather events such as floods and droughts can exacerbate the challenges girls face during menstruation. Additionally, rising temperatures can lead to the spread of diseases, further compromising girls’ reproductive health. Despite these issues, there is a lack of research and understanding of how climate change specifically impacts menstruation hygiene among girls, highlighting the need for further investigation in this important area. By exploring the intersections of climate change and menstruation hygiene, we can better understand the challenges girls face and develop appropriate interventions to address them.

Menstruation hygiene is a crucial aspect of women’s health that has been historically overlooked in many communities. The lack of access to proper menstrual hygiene products, clean water, and sanitation facilities often leads to serious health issues such as urinary tract infections and reproductive tract infections. It is estimated that over 500 million women and girls worldwide lack proper facilities for managing their menstruation . In addition to the physical health implications, poor menstrual hygiene practices can also have adverse effects on mental health and wellbeing, leading to feelings of shame, embarrassment, and low self-esteem. Ensuring access to menstrual hygiene products, education on proper menstrual hygiene practices, and improved sanitation facilities is essential not only for promoting women’s health and dignity but also for advancing gender equality and empowering women and girls around the world .

climate change and its global impact

Climate change presents a pressing challenge to global health and well-being, with its far-reaching impacts extending beyond environmental spheres.

“As highlighted by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC, 2022), the consequences of climate change are increasingly felt, particularly in vulnerable regions facing extreme weather events, food insecurity, and reduced economic activity.”

The mental health implications of climate change, including eco-anxiety and distress, are gaining recognition, with individuals and communities experiencing feelings of powerlessness and trauma in the face of environmental degradation. Moreover, marginalized groups, including women and those living in poverty, are disproportionately affected by climate-related distress due to existing social inequalities. As the global community grapples with the multifaceted challenges posed by climate change, it is essential to consider its profound impact on social and health-related aspects, including women’s reproductive health and well-being, as outlined by sustainable agriculture practices aiming to address gender equity and empower women. By examining the intersection of climate change, mental health, and gender dynamics, a comprehensive understanding of the global impact of climate change emerges, underscoring the urgency for holistic approaches to mitigate its effects on vulnerable populations.

Climate change is linked to various environmental and social disruptions, including implications for menstruation hygiene practices among girls and women. A changing climate can lead to extreme weather events such as floods or droughts, which may disrupt the availability of water and sanitation facilities crucial for maintaining proper menstrual hygiene. Additionally, the increase in temperature and changing precipitation patterns can affect the quality of water sources, potentially leading to waterborne diseases that can exacerbate menstrual health issues. Limited access to menstrual hygiene products during emergencies or natural disasters can further compound the challenges faced by menstruating individuals . Education and awareness about sustainable menstruation practices are essential in adapting to the impacts of climate change on menstrual health. Strategies for promoting resilience and ensuring safe menstrual practices in a changing climate should be integrated into policy and programming efforts.

Changes in access to menstrual hygiene products due to climate-related disasters

Climate-related disasters have had a profound impact on the access to menstrual hygiene products for women and girls in affected regions. The destruction caused by events such as hurricanes, floods, and droughts can disrupt local infrastructure and supply chains, leading to shortages of essential products like sanitary pads or tampons. In post-disaster settings, where resources are already scarce, the availability of these items becomes even more critical. Women and girls are forced to resort to alternative, often unsanitary methods to manage their menstruation, putting their health at risk. Studies have shown that lack of access to menstrual hygiene products can exacerbate existing vulnerabilities and inequalities, particularly for those living in poverty . It is crucial for humanitarian response efforts to prioritize the provision of menstrual hygiene supplies in disaster-affected areas to ensure the reproductive health and well-being of women and girls.

Effects of extreme weather events on menstrual health management

Extreme weather events have a profound impact on menstrual health management among girls and women in vulnerable communities. In regions prone to natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, or wildfires, access to essential menstrual hygiene products can be severely disrupted. Displacement and lack of proper sanitation facilities during these events can lead to increased risk of infections and discomfort during menstruation. Research has shown that the consequences of extreme weather events on menstrual health are often overlooked in disaster response efforts, exacerbating the challenges faced by menstruating individuals in affected areas. Furthermore, limited access to clean water for washing and sanitation purposes can further compromise menstrual hygiene, leading to potential health issues. Addressing these concerns is crucial in ensuring the well-being and dignity of those affected by extreme weather events.

Limited access to adequate menstrual hygiene products and facilities is a pressing issue exacerbated by climate change, particularly in low-income communities. As extreme weather events become more frequent, infrastructure damage often leads to disruptions in water supply and sanitation services, making it challenging for women and girls to manage their menstrual hygiene effectively. Additionally, rising temperatures and prolonged droughts can further exacerbate this issue by increasing the risk of infections due to unhygienic practices[1]. The socioeconomic implications of these challenges are far-reaching, with girls from impoverished backgrounds being disproportionately affected. The lack of access to proper menstrual hygiene management not only impacts their health and dignity but also hinders their educational and economic opportunities[2]. Addressing these issues requires comprehensive solutions that consider the intersection of climate change, poverty, and menstrual health.

Impact on marginalized communities and girls in developing countries

Marginalized communities and girls in developing countries bear a disproportionate burden when it comes to the impacts of climate change on menstrual hygiene management. Limited access to clean water and sanitation facilities exacerbates the challenges faced by girls during their menstruation. In many developing countries, menstruation is still considered taboo, leading to stigma and shame that prevent girls from properly managing their periods. Additionally, the lack of affordable menstrual products further complicates the situation, forcing girls to resort to unhygienic methods that can lead to infections and other health issues. These factors not only affect girls’ physical well-being but also hinder their educational and socio-economic opportunities. Addressing the intersection of climate change and menstrual hygiene in marginalized communities is crucial to ensuring the overall well-being and empowerment of girls in developing countries.  (UNESCO World Water Assessment Programme)

Moreover, economic barriers often prevent individuals from accessing sustainable menstrual hygiene solutions. The high cost of eco-friendly menstrual products, such as reusable pads or menstrual cups, can be prohibitive for many women and girls in low-income communities. Without access to these sustainable options, individuals may resort to using cheaper, disposable products that are not environmentally friendly and can contribute to pollution. Additionally, lack of access to clean water and sanitation facilities can further exacerbate the challenges faced by individuals seeking sustainable menstrual hygiene solutions . These economic barriers underscore the importance of addressing issues of affordability and accessibility when considering strategies to promote sustainable menstrual hygiene practices. Efforts to make eco-friendly menstrual products more affordable and widely available are essential to ensuring that all individuals have access to safe and environmentally sustainable options for managing their menstrual hygiene needs.

The research findings presented in the cited studies shed light on the critical importance of addressing menstrual hygiene management in the context of natural disasters and everyday life.

As climate change increasingly impacts communities, it is evident that women and girls face unique challenges in maintaining proper menstrual hygiene practices.

“In disaster situations, such as the ‘super flooding’ in Pakistan’s Sindh Province, women encounter hurdles in accessing essential resources like pads, leading to increased feelings of shame and embarrassment.”

Furthermore, the introduction of alternative methods like the menstrual cup offers sustainable and eco-friendly solutions but requires comprehensive education and awareness among women of reproductive age. The studies emphasize the urgent need for sensitization efforts and educational campaigns to improve knowledge and adoption of innovative menstrual hygiene products, ultimately contributing to the prevention of reproductive tract infections among women.

All in all, this essay has highlighted several key points regarding the impact of climate change on girls’ menstruation hygiene. Firstly, climate change has led to an increase in natural disasters, which can disrupt access to clean water and sanitation facilities, essential for maintaining proper menstrual hygiene. Secondly, changes in weather patterns have resulted in extreme temperatures, which can exacerbate menstrual discomfort and increase susceptibility to infections. Thirdly, the economic repercussions of climate change can further hinder girls’ access to menstrual hygiene products and facilities. It is evident that climate change poses significant challenges to girls’ menstrual hygiene practices, emphasizing the need for sustainable solutions to ensure their health and well-being. Future research should focus on developing interventions that address the intersection of climate change and menstruation hygiene to mitigate these adverse effects.

Therefore, it is imperative that comprehensive policies be put in place to address the intersection of climate change and menstruation hygiene. Firstly, governments and organizations should prioritize funding towards research on sustainable menstrual hygiene products that are eco-friendly and affordable. This will not only reduce the environmental impact of traditional menstrual products but also make them more accessible to those who need them. Additionally, comprehensive sex education programs should include information on sustainable menstrual practices to raise awareness about the environmental consequences of traditional products. Furthermore, accessibility to clean water and sanitation facilities must be improved in areas affected by climate change to ensure proper menstrual hygiene management. By implementing these recommendations, we can work towards mitigating the impact of climate change on menstruation hygiene and promoting a more sustainable future for all individuals.