On top of these, they also receive in abundance, are
outdated passed-on information and behaviors about menstruation hygiene, still
taught to this day. Not following the traditional rituals are perceived to
result in comical and sad consequences such as illness, interruptions to or
increases in menstrual flow, cramps, and insanity.
These unhealthy behavior is the main reason the Menstrual
Hygiene Day was created.
The Philippine Commission on Women, in partnership with the
Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), Modess and DDB Group
Philippines, held a forum entitled "From Womb to Tomb: Forum on Women's
Health" on May 28 at PUP Sta. Mesa, Manila.
The forum, aimed to break myths and misconceptions on
menstruation and menopause. The event gathered around 300 participants from
state universities and colleges, national government agencies, civil society
organizations, and women's groups.
Invited resource speakers to the forum are Dr. Carmen
Quevedo of the Philippine Obsterical and Gynecological Society (POGS), Dr.
Natasha Estemban of the Philippine General Hospital (PGH)- Adolescent Medicine,
and Dr. Soliman Dalisay of UP Diliman Anthropology.
Said activity is part of the country’s sustaining
initiative in support of the International Menstrual Hygiene Day, celebrated
worldwide on May 28. Started in 2014, the international observance is being
spearheaded by WASH United to promote awareness of the challenges that women
and girls worldwide face due to their menstruation and to highlight solutions
that address these challenges, including through media work.
“This forum is just
the beginning. We still have a lot of work to do in shaping the mind of the
people – women and men alike – about menstruation and menopause. May this
activity spark a change in each of us. Our mission is to spread the word in our
families, workplaces, schools and communities. The stigma continues until we
correct it and break our silence about it.” said PCW Executive Director
Emmeline L. Verzosa.
“Today is Menstrual Hygiene day! And if you care about your
mom, sister, daughter, wife, cousin, aunt, niece, girlfriend, grandmother,
friend and about 51% of Filipino population, you should understand why it's
important to get the right education about periods.
The stigma and shaming of women regarding menstruation
should end today. Not only is it economically disruptive, but it hinders
progress for all humanity. Menstruation is nature's way of ensuring human kind
will continue to exist, and the fight to provide basic needs like clean water,
toilets in the schools and no taxes on sanitary napkins is not a gender issue,
#MenstruationMatters to humanity.” said DDB Group Philippines Chief Culture
Officer, Anna Chua-Norbert
For those who want to learn more, join us online and ask
your questions in the comments section of the PCW facebook page! Leave all
kinds of questions about periods, menopause, or even period preparedness during
disasters and emergency situations.
Finally get to know your monthly flow for the event streaming
at www.facebook.com/PCWgovph
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