Across the region, the unique needs of women and girls are often overlooked -- particularly their menstrual health. When a disaster hits, people who menstruate often do not have access to menstrual materials such as pads and underwear in a context that lacks clean water and waste disposal systems.
Stigma, cultural practices and restrictions placed on people who menstruate further exacerbate an already difficult situation. In every country in the region, we need to remove taboos on menstruation so we can contribute to an inclusive dialogue about how menstrual health can be improved before disasters occur.
