Pushing menstrual health on the 2030 Agenda | Department of Economic and Social Affairs

Background

Background

Simavi, WSSCC and supporters: WASH United, World Vision and other partners A. An Introduction Though Menstrual Health (MH) has recently gained attention in the global development agenda, it is still a taboo topic in many countries, where cultural beliefs and social norms restrict the participation of women and girls in society during menstruation. In addition, limited access to clean water, proper sanitation facilities and sanitary napkins make it difficult for women to manage their menstruation hygienically. As a result, many (young) women face considerable physical and social challenges during menstruation. Furthermore, a girl’s menstruation cultures marks her transition into womanhood. With that transition often comes a broader set of restrictions and roles that girls are expected to align to. Interventions that aim to improve women and girls’ experience of menstrual health can therefore be an opportunity to address a broader set of barriers faced and likewise tackle issues surrounding gender (in)equality. Menstruation is a sign of female health and vitality and should no longer be shrouded in fear, shame or embarrassment. Dispelling the myths, taboos, and stigma around menstruation has been proven to provide a powerful entry point to empower women and girls, change practices and remove restrictions. This upholds the dignity of women and girls and is essential for them to reach their full potential. For this transformation to happen all governments must articulate menstrual hygiene management in relevant policies. Ensuring policy changes are supported by dedicated budgets and resources for policy implementation, as well as capacity development in institutions including schools.In light of that, we want to argue that menstruation matters to achieve the SDGs. While there is no specific goal or indicator on MH, menstruation is directly linked to a number of SDGS including but not limited to Goal 3; Goal 4; Goal 5; Goal 6; Goal 8; and Goal 12. As an activity under the MH Alliance, Simavi, Global Citizen & WASH United together with other partners jointly organize a side event on MH during the week of the High-level Political Forum (HLPF), the follow-up and review of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). B. The United Nations High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) The establishment of the United Nations High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) was mandated in 2012 by the outcome document of the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20). HLPF is the UN mechanism looking at the follow-up and review Sustainable Development the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Forum meets annually under the auspices of the Economic and Social Council for eight days, including a three-day ministerial segment and every four years at the level of Heads of State and Government for two days. This year the HLPF will be held from Monday, 9 July, to Wednesday, 18 July 2018; including the three-day ministerial meeting of the forum from Monday, 16 July, to Wednesday, 18 July 2018. The theme will be "Transformation towards sustainable and resilient societies". The set of goals to be reviewed in depth will including among others Goal 6. to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. C. The side-event This proposed side-event will be an activity under the MH Alliance in collaboration with other partners. The MH alliance strives that every Woman and girl is enabled to manage her menstruation hygienically, with confidence, with dignity and without stigma so that they are empowered to fully and equally participate in society and live a healthy and productive life. i. Overall objective:  Mobilise government stakeholders, (i)NGOs and experts on MH to advocate for inclusion of MH on the SDG6 agenda ii. Specific objectives:  Bring together experts on MH from different sectors and countries, with a specific focus on giving NGOs and stakeholders from the South a stage at the HLPF;  Contribute to the community of practice on MH by sharing best practices on (national) advocacy for MH;  Develop a statement/ ask on the importance of MH to achieving SDG6 (and others) Perhaps putting SDG 6.2 in focus?. iii. Expected outcomes:  Increased awareness for MH among participants of the side-event and HLPF;  A specific ask generated to be shared with…?! Relevant member states, IAEG members etc  Broadcast the side-event as the 4th webinar under the MH webinar series organised by WASH United, World Vision and Simavi. iv. Proposed format side-event  Form: presentation of best practices, panel discussion – live streaming as part of the MH webinar series  The side event will be live streamed live as part of the MH webinar series, giving the opportunity to stakeholder around the world to engage directly with panellists