ANKARA - In its report, UNFPA Turkey stated that 5 out of 10 women and 4 out of 10 girls could not get their menstrual products due to the high prices.

 

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Turkey has published the report of the "Menstrual Hygiene Management of Refugee Women and Girls in Turkey" research.

 

The aim of the research, which was conducted by interviewing a total of 542 refugee women and girls, was stated as evaluating the knowledge and practices of refugee women and girls regarding menstrual hygiene management, the situation of menstrual poverty and the causes of menstrual poverty.

 

Girls have no menstrual knowledge

 

Menstrual period starts at the age of 12-13 on average. However, more than half of the girls in the vulnerable group step into this process without any knowledge. Syrian children aged 15-18 who participated in the study said, “I had no knowledge of bleeding, menstruation or anything. I was in 5th grade when I got a period. I said to my mother; Mom, I'm dying. “Take this cloth,” my mother said. But she didn't tell me how to wear it”, while an Iraqi young girl in the same age group said, “I was 12 years old. No one had spoken to me. I was scared. I couldn't tell anyone for a very long time,” she used the expressions.

 

Hygienic products are being replaced by other products

 

According to the report, one out of every two women and girls in the vulnerable group cannot access hygienic menstrual products because they are "too expensive" and have to use other products. Moreover, 1 out of every 5 women wash these products even though they are not hygienic and use them again in the next menstrual period. These products; napkins, cloths, towels, diapers, cotton, old fabric scraps only underwear.

 

Homemade diapers, which have long been a traditional and convenient method for women, are used twice as often among women, at 17 percent, compared to 8 percent among girls, the report said. The report noted, “Bumpers are not a preferred option; While it is never used by women, only 1 percent of girls stated that they use it. None of the participants use menstrual cups. 2 percent of women and girls’ resort to unhealthy methods and use alternative products such as diapers, toilet paper or only wear underwear. If there is a financial possibility, disposable sanitary pads are the most preferred method among all different menstrual period products.”

 

Psychological pressure dimension

 

UNFPA Turkey's report also draws attention to the stigmatization dimension of menstruation. According to this, 1 out of every 3 women participating in the study is worried about being teased/bullying because she has her period. Women participating in the research; She also underlines the cultural pressures that feed menstrual poverty with the expressions “I have no choice, whatever my family sees fit,” “No reliable / local dealer,” “Culturally unacceptable.” On the other hand, the situation of not being able to reach hygienic menstrual products also leads to an increase in stress and fear and a decrease in well-being.