In the Somali society, menstruation is associated with many problems and negative attitudes based on social and cultural taboos. As a result of these taboos, women and girls have often imposed restrictions when they are menstruating. The menstruation is surrounded by silence and shame in the context of Somali culture and much has not been done across the regions of Somalia.
The Challenge
Beliefs And Taboos
Education
In a 2015 report from the Somali Red Crescent Society on menstrual hygiene management, 78.7 % of women answered that there are things they cannot do during monthly period. From 78,7 % saying that there were things they could not do in their daily life, only 6 % said the same one month after starting to use washable sanitary pads. In the age group of 12-17 year olds the number was down from 82 % to 10 %.
According to UN Girls Education Initiative, monthly periods together with early marriage is the most common reason for girls not to attend school in Somalia. A study ordered by Kalsooni Company Ltd. showed that 71.4 % of girls aged 14-19 years had at some time been absent from school because they did not have access to sanitary pads.
Hygiene
The knowledge of menstrual hygiene and management is crucial for girls both psychologically and health during their transition into adulthood. In Somalia there is a lack of access to menstrual health products. Many rely on improved solutions like old clothes, cotton, leaves etc. These solutions are ineffective and unhygienic which can lead to health complications and discomfort.
