Despite global efforts to normalize menstruation, open conversations between mothers and daughters about periods remain infrequent in many African households. Deeply ingrained cultural taboos, widespread misinformation, and limited parental education continue to impede progress, leaving countless girls unprepared for this critical biological transition (Ballard Brief, 2021).
In numerous African communities, menstruation is still cloaked in secrecy and stigma. For example, in East Africa, menstrual blood is often considered unclean and associated with disease, creating significant barriers to menstrual hygiene education (Asante Africa Foundation, 2022). In Zambia, menarche is traditionally viewed not only as a biological milestone but also as a signal of readiness for marriage and adult responsibilities. Yet, paradoxically, discussing menstruation—even with close family members—is discouraged (Pan African Medical Journal, 2023).
This silence can have serious consequences. Girls like Deborah in Benin have experienced ridicule at school due to menstrual leaks, leading to embarrassment and absenteeism. According to the World Bank (2018), one in ten girls in sub-Saharan Africa misses school during menstruation, resulting in a loss of nearly 20% of the academic year. Such absenteeism exacerbates educational inequality and limits future opportunities for young women, violating their right to education as enshrined in Article 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and Article 11 of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).
While schools are increasingly integrating reproductive health into their curricula, they often fall short. In Tanzania, although reproductive health is formally included, cultural taboos prevent parents from reinforcing this learning at home, placing the full burden on under-resourced teachers (Gender Links, 2023). In large classrooms, meaningful dialogue on menstruation is virtually impossible, especially when the subject remains culturally sensitive.
Efforts are being made to confront these challenges. In Cameroon, for instance, eBASE Africa, in collaboration with UN Women, has implemented targeted programs to improve menstrual hygiene infrastructure in schools and train teachers to deliver effective menstrual health education. These efforts not only provide practical support but also create enabling environments for open discussion in schools. Similarly, Royalty World, through its “Restore Her Dignity” project, has adopted a holistic approach aimed at normalizing menstruation conversations and empowering girls. The project organizes school and community-based dignity campaigns to dispel myths, educate communities, and ensure access to essential menstrual products. One of its innovative interventions—the “Period Party”—offers a friendly, safe space where mothers and daughters can engage in open conversations about menstruation, helping to break the silence at the household level.
Over the years, Royalty World has sensitized over 21,019 individuals on menstrual health and hygiene, distributed 13,539 reusable pads, organized five Period Parties, and established eight Dignity Clubs in schools. These clubs serve as peer-led platforms where girls can share knowledge and support each other, further reinforcing the importance of open communication and menstrual dignity.
Empowering parents—especially mothers—with accurate information and effective communication strategies is essential. As outlined in UNESCO’s International Technical Guidance on Sexuality Education (2018), comprehensive sexuality education should not only be school-based but also supported within families. When mothers speak openly with their daughters, it not only normalizes menstruation but equips girls with the confidence and knowledge to manage their bodies with dignity.
Books like Flow: The Cultural Story of Menstruation by Sharra L. Vostral (2008) emphasize how silence around menstruation perpetuates myths and restricts women’s social participation. Meanwhile, academic studies published in Frontiers in Reproductive Health stress the importance of community and family-based interventions in breaking menstrual taboos (Frontiers, 2022).
Ultimately, open mother-daughter conversations about menstruation are not merely helpful—they are essential. They foster emotional support, practical guidance, and a sense of pride rather than shame. Breaking the silence is a critical step toward upholding the rights to health, education, and gender equality for every girl in Africa and beyond.
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