Menstrual health discussed among local dads and lads

As part of the 16 Days of Activism campaign, African Child at Work held a menstrual health workshop for dads and lads on December 02.

African Child at Work worked closely with She PowHer Foundation and the Good Hearted Foundation in order to conduct the education.

l workshop around menstrual health and period poverty.

According to the founder and director of African Child at Work, Thabiso Masigo, the purpose of the initiative was to decrease the stigma attached to menstrual matters by increasing awareness among dads and lads.

“We asked dads and boys to join us today on this workshop so as to talk to them and clarify some issues.

“It’s time for them to stop the taboo of not wanting to talk and acknowledge matters related to menstruation especially with their sisters, nieces, mothers and even their daughters,” said Masigo.

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Masigo added that he runs a monthly sanitary towel drive and most of the time when they have conversations with beneficiaries they often identify issues with fathers.

They refuse to let their children participate in the Keep a Girl Child Comfortable at School programme because they don’t see its value.

Every dad and boy who attended the discussion workshop received a menstrual cup that was provided by the She PowHer Foundation, which they can give to any female they live with as a token of understanding that having a period is normal and that they are aware of the challenges they face during their periods.

The CEO and founder of She PowHer Foundation, Ruth Apostov said it is imperative that males engage in such initiatives so that they can be part of the change makers.

“Men are husbands, brothers and sons, so it is important that we allow them to help us change the narrative about periods being dirty which religion and traditions have passed down for generations.

“We have to make men understand that women cannot be compartmentalised into their mental, physical and period health,” said Apostov.

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While the workshop was primarily attended by men, women were also allowed to join the conversation and ask questions regarding menstrual cycles and using the menstrual cup.

“As a father, I’m happy to see this kind of campaign take place since the knowledge we gain from it enables us to support our children when they experience menstrual discomfort. It would be an honour to see this programme continue and grow beyond this point,” said one of the attendees, Edward Beakana.