As the world focuses on the current pandemic, hygiene has come to the forefront. However, hygiene involves more than washing hands.
Today, May 28, is International Menstrual Hygiene Day. An annual awareness day which highlights the importance of good menstrual hygiene management. Initiated by the German-based NGO WASH United in 2014the purpose of the day aims to benefit women and girls worldwide.
Through the day, it is found that in low-income countries, girls’ and women’s choices of menstrual hygiene materials are often limited by the costs, availability and social norms.
However, this is no longer the case. This follows the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) recently passing the first reusable sanitary standard: The manufacturer of Washable, Reusable Sanitary Towels (SANS 1812).
The publication of this standard is one of the first standards for washable sanitary pads in Southern Africa. Therefore, SA now leads the way for other African countries to follow.
According to the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD), the momentous act allows women and girls another safe option to manage their menstruation.
“The department is particularly pleased to share this exciting development with the country on International Menstrual Hygiene Day,” it claimed in a statement.
The DWYPD offered support and guidance through the standards process, as its positions has always been one of pro-choice.
“Women and girls need safe choices for ways to manage their menstruation. Support offered by the department demonstrates the commitment the South African government has in meeting the diverse menstrual health needs of women and girls in South Africa through the department’s Sanitary Dignity Implementation Framework.”
According to the DWYPD, several women and girls in South Africa face significant challenges when it comes to managing their menstrual cycle. The department explains these women and girls often struggle, due to lack of access to affordable sanitary products.
“This hurdle, along with the stigma that surrounds menstruation can cause both emotional and physical harm,” the DWYPD says.
With this new SABS standard, consumers can be confident that a washable reusable menstrual pad offers women and girls an option that is affordable and longer lasting than a single use pad.
Due to current restrictions, there is a general increase in the need for sanitary products for destitute families.
The lockdown period also disrupted the normal sanitary dignity programme delivery channels such as schools. Displacement or relocation to places of safety and shelters has also left women and girls without access to sanitary products.
“Recognising that the coronavirus has brought about a disruption in sanitary dignity programmes delivered by most departments and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), the need to address menstrual health in society has become more important than ever. So, this news is even more welcome under our current State of Disaster,” the Department adds.
The South African Coalition for Menstrual Health and Management (SACMHM) Products, Standards and Supply Chain Task Committee member, Diana T Nelson with Days for Girls International, was also on the Washable Task Committee working on the development of this standard for the past two years.
She said, “The support of the South African government and SABS has made this possible, even during a pandemic. They worked to advance this important standard to help meet the diverse needs of women and girls in South Africa. The health and safety of women and girls menstruating is of utmost importance to our organisation, and that is why we are encouraged by the outstanding dedication of the SA government to ensure this standard was published.”
This new standard puts South Africa on the map as a leader in the menstrual health and hygiene sector.
Sipiwo Matshoba, Director of Social Empowerment and Participation said, “This is an important and exciting milestone that we have reached in order to broaden product choice in line with the sanitary dignity implementation framework.”
Well done to those involved in the initiative, making leaping strides in addressing menstrual health and hygiene.
