Period Equity Africa

Boys and Men: Ready to Stand, Misunderstood by Attitudes When we talk about menstrual justice, the conversation often centers on girls and women. Yet, boys and men are part of their everyday lives in schools, homes, workplaces and public spaces. Leaving them out creates a deep valley that cannot be filled unless we work together. During recent engagements at Ggaba Parents Secondary School, boys shared openly about the challenges they face when trying to support girls. They are willing to stand in, ready to help but often pushed away by the attitudes they receive. It is not that they don’t want to help rather, they are misinformed, driven by myths around periods or influenced by peer pressure. Many boys grow up hearing jokes and myths about menstruation. Peer groups reinforce stigma, making it difficult for them to act with respect without being mocked. Men, too, face cultural barriers that portray menstruation as taboo, leaving them misinformed and hesitant. Through dialogue circles, boys and men are learning that menstruation is natural, not shameful. They are discovering their role as allies pledging to support girls, buy pads for their daughters and create safe spaces in schools and communities. - Boys at Ggaba Parents Secondary now speak openly about periods, challenging stigma among peers. - Men in boda boda stages, washing bays and landing sites are pledging dignity and respect. - Communities are beginning to see boys and men not as barriers but as champions of menstrual justice. Menstrual justice cannot be achieved by focusing only on girls. Boys and men must be part of the solution. By correcting misinformation, breaking myths and reshaping attitudes, we build a united front where dignity is shared and stigma is dismantled.