Sarajevo, 26 May 2023 – The event "Ciklus" was held today on the occasion of World Menstrual Hygiene Day (May 28th) in front of the Aria Center in Sarajevo.
The event was opened by UNFPA Representative in BiH John Kennedy Mosoti, Melisa Mizdrak from the Ministry of Education of the Sarajevo Canton (SC), and Azra Koldzo, Advisor to the Prime Minister of Sarajevo Canton.
This Day is celebrated within the program "Za naše dane u mjesecu" implemented in cooperation with the Government of Sarajevo Canton, UNFPA and Violeta d.o.o with the support of dm drogerie markt d.o.o, since 2022. The event aims to raise awareness among the general population, especially young people, on the importance of menstrual health and the fight against the stigma related to this topic.
"Government of Sarajevo Canton, together with partners, started the provision of free pads in all secondary schools in Sarajevo Canton and the project was successfully implemented during the 2022/2023 school year. The Prime Minister of Sarajevo Canton, Nihad Uk, is determined to continue this important project, and funds have been provided for 2023/2024 school year. We are particularly proud of this important project, and we hope that it will serve as a positive example, and that in the near future the provision of free sanitary pads in schools across our country", said Advisor to the Prime Minister of Sarajevo Canton, Azra Koldzo.
Melisa Mizdrak from the Ministry of Education of the SC stated: "Menstrual poverty does not only include the material aspect, I would say that we can talk about poverty that also includes the absence of knowledge, shame, taboo, and stigma towards the menstrual cycle. The words fresh and safe are often mentioned in advertisements for sanitary pads and tampons, which implies a narrow and distorted perception of menstruation in society. We all have to fight together against ignorance, shame, taboos, and stigma, in which the education system has a special role."
"Menstruation is a natural part of everyday life that is intrinsically related to human rights – when people cannot have safe access to adequate hygiene facilities, menstrual hygiene products, waste management, and reliable information, they are not able to manage their menstruation with dignity, which can cause emotional, physical, and mental health effects on individuals. Menstruation-related exclusion from social life and stigmatization also undermine the principles of human rights and dignity. Therefore, the UNFPA’s ultimate goal is to expand this programme throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina in the near future", said John Kennedy Mosoti UNFPA Representative in BiH.
During the event, young people played the educational game "Ciklus", developed by young people from the NGO Humanity in Action with the support of UNFPA.
Migrants from transit reception centers made menstrual health bracelets, the global symbol for menstruation, to help break the stigma around this topic. The bracelets were handed out during the event, as were symbolic prizes for the participants that were generously donated by dm drogerie markt d.o.o.
