Menstruation is a natural and essential part of a woman's reproductive cycle. However, in many parts of the world, including Indonesia, menstruation continues to be a significant barrier to girls' education. Cultural norms, lack of access to menstrual hygiene products, and limited knowledge about menstruation contribute to the challenges faced by girls in attending school during their menstrual periods. In this article, we will explore the issue of menstruation and school attendance in Indonesia, the impact it has on girls' education, and the importance of addressing this issue to promote gender equality and empower girls.

Challenges Faced by Girls

1. Stigma and Shame: Menstruation is often surrounded by stigma and shame in Indonesian society. Girls may feel embarrassed or ashamed to attend school during their periods due to fear of leakage or ridicule from peers. This stigma can lead to reduced self-esteem and a negative impact on their educational experience.
2. Lack of Menstrual Hygiene Facilities: Many schools in Indonesia lack proper sanitation facilities, including clean toilets and facilities for proper disposal of sanitary products. The absence of these facilities makes it difficult for girls to manage their menstrual hygiene effectively while at school, leading to discomfort and potential health risks.
3. Limited Access to Menstrual Hygiene Products: Inadequate access to affordable and quality menstrual hygiene products is another significant challenge faced by girls in Indonesia. Many girls resort to using unhygienic materials such as rags or tissues, which are ineffective and can cause health problems. The lack of access to menstrual products also results in frequent absences from school during menstruation.
4. Limited Knowledge and Education: There is a lack of comprehensive and accurate information about menstruation in many schools and communities. Girls may not have access to proper education regarding menstrual health, hygiene practices, and the management of menstrual discomfort. This lack of knowledge further perpetuates the challenges and barriers girls face in attending school during their periods.

Addressing the Issue

1. Menstrual Health Education: Implementing comprehensive menstrual health education programs in schools can help dispel myths, reduce stigma, and provide girls with accurate information about menstruation. Education should cover topics such as menstrual hygiene practices, available menstrual products, and managing menstrual discomfort. By promoting open discussions about menstruation, schools can create a supportive environment for girls.
2. Access to Menstrual Hygiene Facilities: Schools should prioritize the provision of clean and private toilets, handwashing facilities, and proper disposal systems for sanitary products. Accessible and hygienic facilities enable girls to manage their menstrual hygiene effectively and comfortably during school hours.
3. Availability of Menstrual Hygiene Products: Efforts should be made to ensure that girls have access to affordable and quality menstrual hygiene products. This can be achieved through government initiatives, partnerships with NGOs, and community-driven programs that provide free or subsidized menstrual products to girls in need.
4. Supportive Policies and Practices: Schools should establish supportive policies that allow girls to take necessary breaks or rest during their menstrual periods without facing academic penalties. This includes providing flexible attendance policies, ensuring that girls can catch up on missed work, and promoting a supportive and understanding school culture.

Menstruation should not be a barrier to girls' education. It is essential to address the challenges faced by girls in Indonesia regarding menstruation and school attendance. By implementing comprehensive menstrual health education, improving access to menstrual hygiene facilities and products, and adopting supportive policies, we can create an inclusive and empowering environment for girls. Breaking the barriers associated with menstruation will contribute to promoting gender equality, ensuring every girl's right to education, and empowering them to reach their full potential.

References:

• UNESCO. (2020). Menstrual Health Management in Schools: A Resource for Practitioners. Retrieved from https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000374223
• Plan International Indonesia. (2018). Menstrual Health Management in Indonesia: Challenges and Opportunities. Retrieved from https://plan-international.org/asia/publications/menstrual-health-management-indonesiachallenges-and-opportunities