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In Kokologho, Boulkiemdé province, in the Center-West region, it was commemorated, in anticipation, on Friday May 26, 2023, the 7th edition of the International Day of Menstrual Health and Hygiene (JISHM). Joseph André Ouédraogo, Minister of National Education, Literacy and Promotion of National Languages, presided over the ceremony.
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The representative of the UNICEF Resident Representative in Burkina Faso, Saidou Diallo, returned to the importance of the commemoration of the International Day of Menstrual Health and Hygiene (JISHM).
“International Menstrual Health and Hygiene Day was created to raise awareness of the challenges faced by millions of girls and women around the world when coping with their period. It is an opportunity to shine a light on the persistent inequalities, stigmas and taboos that surround menstruation, and to remember that every girl and every woman has the right to experience this period in a safe, healthy and dignified way”he recalled.
The choice of Kokologho for the celebration of the said Day, “to encourage the Center-West region and give a specific nod to the effort made in the said province to join that of Sissili in having the end status of open defecation”said Mr. Diallo, who also noted remarkable achievements after 7 years of celebration.
“After 7 years of celebration, together we have achieved notable results such as increased commitment from the authorities, reduction of taboos around menstruation, the presence of a management and monitoring device for hygienic menstruation management (GHM ) in each province, the provision of institutional latrines equipped with GHM cabins, the mastery of the manufacture of washable towels by several structures and the existence of a standard GHM cabin plan at the national level, not to mention the number of students made aware of the number of 58,000”he said.
The tree should not, however, hide the forest, believes Mr. Diallo. “Despite these achievements, the challenges remain and require more commitment. Indeed, only 6% of primary schools and 5% of post-primary and secondary structures are affected by MHM; only 3% of primary and 4% post-primary education staff are trained in MHM issues, and 8% of latrines at school level are equipped with MHM cubicles.
Menstrual hygiene is a crucial issue for the well-being and empowerment of girls and women. Yet in Burkina Faso, cultural, social and economic barriers prevent them from accessing appropriate hygiene products, adequate sanitation facilities and education about menstruation. These barriers have negative consequences on health, education, self-esteem and their full participation in society. »he lamented.
He urged the authorities present (ministers, President of the special PDS delegation, customary chiefs) “to continue to give priority attention to this issue and to integrate specific policies and programs to promote menstrual hygiene”.
” We are counting on you… “
For the Minister of National Education, Literacy and the Promotion of National Languages, Joseph André Ouédraogo, the theme of the 7e editing, “For efficient and accessible hygienic menstruation management, I COMMIT myself”, undertakes to deepen the reflection and to define clear and relevant actions on the hygienic management of menses.
He then reiterated his department’s commitment “to promote education on menstrual health and hygiene in schools, through the integration of emerging themes in the new educational development framework”.
“We are counting on you dear parents, we are counting on you dear educators, we are counting on you dear leaders to restore our dignity, improve our health, our education. In a word, our well-being, declared Honorine Kabré, student at the Kokologho departmental high school, on behalf of the students/girls of Burkina Faso.
The celebration was also punctuated by a skit, a sanitary napkin demonstration session and a guided tour of stands. Also present was the Minister of Environment, Water and Sanitation, Dr Augustin Kaboré. As a reminder, the International Day of Menstrual Health and Hygiene is celebrated on May 28 of each year.
Tambi Serge Pacôme ZONGO
Burkina 24
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