“Period Pain and School Absenteeism: A Crisis Affecting 3 in 10 Girls”

Attending a parade is a natural process and a part of almost every girl’s life, but the lack of parade products in the school restrooms is a problem for many girls that disrupts their education. And miss out on living their lives better because they have no choice but to stay at home.

Poverty and stigma have a huge impact on girls’ education. It is estimated that one in 10 girls in Africa miss school during their periods. In a nationwide survey, more than a third of teenage girls reported that they had missed at least one class at school, college or university in the past three months because of symptoms including pain and fatigue.

Table of Contacts

1. Impact on Education

2.Poverty and Stigma

3.Normalizing

4.Need for Better Education

5.Broader Societal Involvement

1. Impact on Education: Menstrual pain, fatigue, and emotional changes can significantly disrupt a girl’s ability to concentrate, participate, and perform well in school. This leads to absenteeism and affects academic performance, with some girls missing multiple days of school each month.
2. Poverty and Stigma: The lack of access to menstrual products and the stigma surrounding menstruation can exacerbate the problem, especially in low-income areas. This results in girls staying home rather than facing the embarrassment or discomfort of managing their periods at school without proper resources.
3. Normalizing Pain: Many young women have been conditioned to accept menstrual pain as a normal part of life, leading them to endure it without seeking medical help. This normalization can prevent them from recognizing more serious conditions, such as endometriosis, which requires medical attention.
4. Need for Better Education: There is a clear need for better education around menstrual health. Schools should create an environment where girls feel comfortable discussing their symptoms and seeking help. This includes making menstrual products readily available in school restrooms and incorporating comprehensive menstrual health education into the curriculum.
5. Broader Societal Involvement: Addressing menstrual pain and its impact on education is not just a “women’s issue.” It requires the involvement of all genders to create a supportive environment that acknowledges the challenges faced by girls during their periods and works towards solutions.