Women Empowerment: Why Menstrual Education Matters

Tobi Karim, RN, BNSc

Women empowerment goes beyond economic independence and leadership opportunities—it starts with knowledge, confidence, and access to essential health information. As we celebrate International Women’s Day in 2025, with its theme focusing on accelerating action, it is crucial to recognize that true empowerment begins with ensuring that women and girls have the right tools to understand and manage their health.

One fundamental aspect of this empowerment is menstrual education. By breaking taboos, dispelling myths, and promoting open discussions, menstrual education equips women and girls with the knowledge they need to manage their health and well-being confidently.

The Global Progress in Menstrual Health Advocacy

Over the years, significant progress has been made in menstrual health advocacy worldwide. Organizations such as UNICEF, UNESCO, and various NGOs have launched initiatives to improve menstrual health management, provide sanitary products, and educate communities. Governments in countries like Kenya, India, and Scotland have introduced policies to make menstrual products freely available in schools and public institutions. Social media campaigns, documentaries, and grassroots movements have further helped to dismantle menstrual stigma and promote awareness.

One notable contribution to this movement is the book Flow Freely by Dr. Perfecta Osawaru, published by Renoma Holistic Health. This book provides vital insights into menstrual health, debunking myths, and educating women on how to embrace their cycles with confidence. Despite these achievements, there is still much work to be done to ensure that menstrual education is accessible to all.

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The Importance of Menstrual Education

Menstruation is a natural biological process that affects millions of women and girls worldwide. However, in many societies, menstruation is still shrouded in stigma, misinformation, and cultural restrictions. This lack of awareness can lead to shame, poor hygiene practices, and even health complications. By prioritizing menstrual education, we can address these issues and empower women in the following ways:

1. Breaking the Stigma

Open discussions about menstruation challenge long-standing taboos and help normalize it as a natural process rather than something shameful. The success of global initiatives, such as Scotland’s provision of free menstrual products, serves as an example of how awareness and action can transform societal attitudes. Books like Flow Freely also contribute to this effort by educating women on how to understand and embrace their menstrual cycles without fear or stigma.

2. Promoting Health and Hygiene

Menstrual education teaches girls and women proper hygiene practices, reducing the risk of infections and other health issues related to poor menstrual management. In many regions, programs supported by organizations like UNICEF have provided hygiene kits and training to ensure safer menstrual practices. The Flow Freely book further emphasizes the importance of tracking menstrual cycles, understanding hormonal shifts, and adopting self-care practices to maintain hormonal balance.

3. Enhancing Confidence and Self-Esteem

Understanding their bodies helps young girls feel more comfortable and confident, reducing anxiety and embarrassment around menstruation. Campaigns such as India’s #TouchThePickle movement have played a role in challenging societal norms that diminish self-esteem during menstruation. Flow Freely also addresses this issue, offering practical advice on how to approach menstruation with a sense of empowerment rather than discomfort.

4. Encouraging School Attendance

Many girls miss school due to a lack of menstrual products or fear of embarrassment. Education programs that provide access to sanitary products and support systems help ensure that menstruation does not disrupt their education. Countries like Kenya have introduced free sanitary pads in schools, significantly improving attendance rates for young girls. Books like Flow Freely can also serve as an educational tool in school curricula to ensure girls are equipped with the knowledge they need to navigate their cycles confidently.

5. Fostering Gender Equality

When society supports menstrual education, it acknowledges that menstrual health is not just a “women’s issue” but a public health and human rights concern. Inclusive policies and discussions help bridge gender gaps in education and employment. Governments and NGOs worldwide continue to push for policies that promote menstrual equity, further emphasizing the importance of this issue in global gender discourse. Books like Flow Freely add to this discourse by educating both men and women on the importance of menstrual health.

The Role of Society in Menstrual Education

Empowering women through menstrual education requires a collective effort. Schools should incorporate menstrual health into their curricula, healthcare providers should offer guidance, and families should encourage open conversations. Governments and organizations must also work towards ensuring access to affordable menstrual products and proper sanitation facilities. Additionally, global movements that address menstrual inequity should be reinforced with policies that promote accessibility and inclusivity for all women and girls. Resources such as Flow Freely can also be valuable tools in educating individuals and communities about the importance of menstrual health.

Conclusion

Women’s empowerment is incomplete without menstrual education. By fostering awareness, encouraging dialogue, and providing necessary resources, we can ensure that every woman and girl is equipped with the knowledge and confidence to embrace her menstrual health. Breaking the silence around menstruation is a step toward building a more inclusive, educated, and empowered society. The progress made in various parts of the world demonstrates that change is possible, but sustained commitment and collaborative action are essential to ensuring menstrual education becomes a fundamental right accessible to all. Books like Flow Freely play an essential role in this journey, serving as a guiding resource that empowers women and girls with vital knowledge, fosters confidence in managing menstrual health, and encourages a positive cultural shift towards open discussions and education.