Menstrual Health Management in Ethiopia: A Human Rights Perspective
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Date
2021-09
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Addis Ababa,University
Abstract
Women, due to a simple biological fact, face multiple diverse barriers attributable to poor menstrual health management (MHM). Poor MHM consists of several elements such as the inability to access basic information, facilities and products necessary to manage menstruation properly, with dignity and safety. The fact that women cannot access the necessary facilities and products essential to manage their menstruation entails a serious problem impeding them from enjoying their legally recognized rights. In Ethiopia, the impact of menstrual hygiene, which is critical for women, has not received nearly enough attention. Menstrual needs of women are not prioritized as a key national concern and its association with the context of human rights is not well-addressed in Ethiopian law. The state has not fully met its obligation to take the necessary legislative and other necessary measures. Therefore, this study aims to examine MHM within the context of human rights in Ethiopia. Being supported by comparative experiences of Kenya and Scotland that have thrived with better practice on MHM, this paper argues for the need to recognize menstruation as a pure physiobiological process and calls upon the state to fulfill its obligations relating to MHM.
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Keywords
Menstruation, Women and girls, Menstrual health management, Rights, Human rights law