For many girls and women in South Sudan, menstruation is more than a health issue — it is a daily struggle shaped by conflict, poverty, displacement, and inequality. Thousands of girls lack access to sanitary products, clean water, privacy, and menstrual health education. As a result, many miss school, face stigma, experience shame, and are exposed to protection risks and harmful coping mechanisms.

Conflict continues to deepen these challenges. Displaced women and girls often manage menstruation in unsafe and undignified conditions, without adequate support or access to essential reproductive health services. This not only affects their health and wellbeing, but also limits their participation in education, leadership, and community life.

Women for Justice and Equality believes that menstrual dignity is a human right. No girl or woman should be excluded, discriminated against, or put at risk because of a natural biological process.

As we commemorate this important day, we call upon:

• Humanitarian actors and development partners to prioritize menstrual hygiene management in emergency response and protection programming;
• The Government and stakeholders to invest in affordable and accessible sanitary products, clean water, and safe sanitation facilities for women and girls;
• Schools and communities to create safe and supportive environments where girls can learn without fear or shame;
• Community leaders, parents, and men and boys to help break harmful stigma and support open conversations around menstruation.

We must ensure that every conflict-affected woman and girl in South Sudan can manage menstruation safely, confidently, and with dignity.

Together, we can build a South Sudan where periods do not prevent girls from accessing education, participating in society, or realizing their full potential.

Break the stigma. Promote menstrual dignity. Support every girl.

#MenstrualHygieneDay2026 #NoShameNoStigma #MenstrualDignity #SupportEveryGirl #WOJE #SouthSudan