Mission with Menstrual Health
Here at Walk on Water, we care about community because Christ cares about us.
01
Problem
Shame, embarrassment, confusion, and fear. These descriptions were the most prevalent and common feelings that roughly 50 women from 34 different countries on 6 different continents around the world listed when describing their first period. The first and sometimes sole information that a girl learns before her first period is that this significant part of her life should remain invisible to everyone.Menstruation is the most significant part of maturing into a woman and therefore should be celebrated, yet is causing girls, particularly in impoverished countries, extreme emotional distress.
02
Statistics
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A study in Bijapur found that 80% of girls did not know what menstruation was when they had their first period, and 85% reported that they wished they knew more.
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Nearly half the girls in Iran are so lacking in menstrual education that they believe it to be a disease.
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Only 46% of schools in low-income countries have sanitation facilities and only 47% have water coverage. A study in Tanzania found that only 11% of schools have a sufficient number of facilities, and only half have running water.
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77% of girls in a school in Nigeria reported having no place to change their feminine products in private, which results in not changing them often enough, posing an increased risk of infection.
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In Uganda this statistic is raised to around 50% of girls skip school for their period. In parts of India, the statistic is even as high as 70% of girls
03
What is Needed
Through education, creativity, and provision of resources, it is possible to reduce this barrier to females’ mental, physical and educational well-being. Ultimately, this can result in significant improvement in the quality of life for girls and women in impoverished countries, and potentially change the health and economic trajectory of an entire country. Menstruating women are not any less of a person than anyone else. Menstruating women are humans created in God’s own image, whom He loves, and therefore should be treated and loved as such.
04
How You Make a Difference
With each purchase of a Walk on Water item, a portion of the proceeds will go to organizations that support menstrual health management. You will also have an option to donate more with each purchase. You have the ability to make a huge difference in these girls lives!
