Ethiopian Educator Tackles Menstrual Taboos with UNICEF Support

In Ethiopia, Genet Birhanu is leading a groundbreaking effort to educate students about menstruation, starting from the 4th grade. This initiative, supported by UNICEF, aims to break taboos and promote menstrual hygiene—a vital aspect of education that only 39% of schools worldwide provide.

Menstrual educators like Birhanu face numerous challenges, including the lack of basic hygiene facilities in schools. In sub-Saharan Africa, only 1 in 10 schools have waste bins in bathrooms to dispose of sanitary pads. Additionally, girls often face teasing from boys, which is a major reason why they skip school during their periods.

In Ethiopia, half of the girls surveyed had no source of information on menstrual health, and one-third said the information came from teachers. To address this gap, teachers have integrated menstruation education into biology lessons starting from the 4th grade. Students can also take additional lessons on menstruation through the UNICEF-supported program.

Menstrual education is essential for promoting gender equality, improving health outcomes, and reducing social and economic disparities. Without access to proper menstrual hygiene and education, girls and women may face significant barriers to education, employment, and overall well-being.

Some schools have created safe rooms and gender clubs, providing a comfortable space for menstruating students to rest, wash, and access sanitary pads and painkillers. Menstrual educators also sit in these safe rooms, chatting with girls and holding sessions on menstrual health and hygiene.

Students who attend these voluntary lessons can become peer mentors, trained by menstrual educators to answer questions and encourage their friends and siblings to attend future sessions. Asdenaki Dereje, a 16-year-old peer mentor, said that attitudes are changing, and more girls are able to continue learning during their periods.

Boys are also encouraged to champion girls' school attendance and understand menstrual issues. Kalkidan Gugsa, a social and behavior change specialist at UNICEF in Ethiopia, emphasized the importance of involving boys in menstrual education. This helps them become more supportive partners and fathers in the future.

Marni Sommer, a professor of sociomedical sciences at Columbia University, highlighted the importance of educating boys and men about menstruation, its role in reproduction, and its impact on the lives of those who menstruate. She believes that having access to clean, functioning toilets and appropriate waste disposal is essential for promoting menstrual hygiene.

The UNICEF-supported program in Ethiopia is making strides in breaking taboos and promoting menstrual hygiene among students. By educating both girls and boys, the initiative aims to create a more supportive and understanding environment for everyone involved.

Key Takeaways

• Only 39% of schools worldwide provide menstrual hygiene education.
• In Ethiopia, 50% of girls have no source of information on menstrual health.
• Menstrual education is essential for promoting gender equality and health outcomes.
• Boys are being educated to champion girls' school attendance and understand menstrual issues.
• Access to clean toilets and waste disposal is crucial for promoting menstrual hygiene.