The project, “Improving Menstrual Health Management of Adolescent girls and women in Cox’s Bazar,” generously funded by Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) has been launched this Sunday, aiming to continue strengthening knowledge, information and understanding around menstrual health management to some of the most vulnerable population in the district, according to a press release.
Not only information, but also awareness-raising and understanding on the health, hygiene, safety, dignity, security, and protection of girls will be instrumental in achieving the UNFPA’s and KOICA’s mandate of a world where every young person’s potential is fulfilled.
The project will showcase the active involvement and participation of women, boys, men, parents, community leaders - including religious leaders and women leaders, as well as caregivers - in improving the sexual and reproductive health and rights of women and girls in Cox’s Bazar.
With the project implemented in both Rohingya refugee camps and host community locations, the direct beneficiaries will be 17,160 adolescent girls and boys, female and caregivers, and there will be almost 1,500 indirect beneficiaries working with the communities in the Cox’s Bazar district.
“We highly value this partnership and the precious contribution of KOICA to UNFPA in the menstrual health management for adolescent girls and women in Cox’s Bazar. It is essential to focus on the health and well-being of adolescent girls, as they lack access to sanitary facilities and menstrual products and supplies. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare continues to stand ready to support the creation of a healthier world, where women play a change-making role in Bangladesh” Mr Md Abdus Salam Khan Joint Secretary, Medical Education and Family Welfare Division, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare states.
“Menstruation is an important fact of life, and there should no stigma attached to it or be left unattended. It’s important that everyone, including especially girls, learn the facts and debunk myths around menstruation and participate in sensitizing their communities on the importance of health, hygiene, and dignity, both in and out of the camps” Dr Eiko Narita, Deputy Country Representative of UNFPA Bangladesh mentions.
Speaking at the project launching ceremony, the Country Director of KOICA Bangladesh, Ms Youngah Doh says: “Cultural norms and religious taboos on menstruation are often closely associated with traditional thinking surrounding shame and embarrassment. KOICA envisions a world where there is no obstacle for women and girls in maintaining their menstrual hygiene in a private, safe and dignified manner. We hope that this project will improve knowledge and access to Menstrual Health Management facilities and contribute to raise awareness on gender equality so that women and girls can equally participate in society and live a healthy and productive life.”
Thanks to the multi-year project (2021-2024), girls and female caregivers will also learn to produce reusable menstrual pads, as a self-reliance skill, while men and adolescent boys will improve their knowledge and understanding of gender equality and menstrual health.