Menstrual poverty is a serious, yet still under-recognized, public health and social problem in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is estimated that more than 200,000 girls aged 13 to 25 live in BiH and do not have adequate access to menstrual products and relevant information about menstrual health. This problem directly affects their health, dignity, education and daily participation in society. It is for this reason that the project “From the Bench to the Law – for Accessible Menstrual Health” was launched, which, through a combination of public advocacy, education and social mobilization, aims to make menstruation cease to be a taboo and become a matter of public policy and systemic concern.

In the past period, the first activities of the project have been implemented, including information and educational initiatives aimed at citizens, which directly involved around 300 people. Through conversations in the field, issues that are often kept silent in our society were opened up, from access to basic hygiene items to the deeply rooted stigma that accompanies menstruation. Menstrual poverty is not only a matter of personal hygiene, it is a matter of dignity, gender equality and equal opportunities. In situations where girls have to choose between basic needs or prolong the use of hygiene products longer than is safe, it is clear that this is a serious social problem that requires a systemic solution.

As experts involved in the project point out, education plays a key role in breaking taboos and improving public health. dr. Erna Džinić Ahmić from the Konjic Health Center, who led online workshops and roundtables as part of the project, emphasizes: “Participation in this project was much more than an educator for me, it was an opportunity to contribute to raising awareness on a topic that directly affects the health and dignity of young people. Working with participants clearly shows how education and open discussion are key to a society in which menstrual health is no longer a taboo.”

As Lara Sutović, project manager for the JaBiHEU association, emphasizes, the goal is not only to raise awareness, but also to make a concrete change: “Menstrual health must become part of public policies, budgets and the education system. This is not an individual problem, this is a matter of social responsibility.” A series of activities are planned across Bosnia and Herzegovina in the coming period, including street actions, information campaigns in shopping malls, as well as a pilot project in high schools. In parallel, the project team will work on launching initiatives towards relevant institutions with the aim of including menstrual health in strategic documents and securing budget funds for free products in schools. This project represents an important step towards a society where no girl will be prevented from living with dignity due to a natural biological process.
It's time for menstruation to stop being taboo and become a priority.