Research Report: Poor Menstrual Hygiene Management in Pakistan

Saima Ikhlaq

This research report aims to shed light on the alarming issue of poor menstrual hygiene management in Pakistan. Menstrual hygiene is a fundamental aspect of women's health, yet inadequate facilities, limited education, and social taboos contribute to suboptimal hygiene practices. Through an analysis of existing data, this report underscores the urgent need for improved menstrual hygiene infrastructure, education, and awareness campaigns to address this critical issue.

Introduction:

Menstrual hygiene is a crucial component of women's overall health and well-being. However, in Pakistan, a significant portion of the female population faces challenges in maintaining proper menstrual hygiene due to various factors, including limited access to sanitation facilities and societal stigma.

1. Lack of Access to Sanitary Facilities:

   • According to UNICEF, approximately 79% of the population in rural areas of Pakistan lacks access to basic sanitation facilities.
   • A study conducted by Water Aid revealed that around 46 million women and girls in Pakistan do not have access to a proper toilet facility, exacerbating the challenges of managing menstruation hygienically.

2. Limited Awareness and Education:

   • The Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey (PDHS) reported that only 37% of women aged 15-49 have comprehensive knowledge about menstruation.
   • A UNESCO report highlighted that cultural taboos and myths surrounding menstruation contribute to the lack of awareness and understanding about proper hygiene practices.

3. Economic Barriers:

   • The cost of menstrual hygiene products is a significant barrier for many women. A study by the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) found that over 50% of women use unsanitary alternatives due to financial constraints.

4. Health Implications:

   • Poor menstrual hygiene can lead to various health issues, including infections and reproductive tract infections. A study by Jhpiego Pakistan reported that inadequate hygiene practices during menstruation can lead to urinary tract infections and other complications.

Challenges and Recommendations:

1. Infrastructure Improvement:

   • There is an urgent need to invest in improving sanitation facilities, particularly in rural areas. Government and non-governmental organizations should collaborate to provide clean and accessible toilet facilities.

2. Comprehensive Education:

   • Schools should incorporate comprehensive menstrual hygiene education into their curriculum to ensure that young girls are well-informed about proper practices from an early age.
   • Community-based awareness campaigns can help dispel myths and reduce stigma surrounding menstruation.

3. Affordable Menstrual Products:

   • Initiatives should be taken to make affordable menstrual hygiene products accessible to all women. This can be achieved through subsidies or innovative solutions such as reusable menstrual pads.

Conclusion:

The issue of poor menstrual hygiene management in Pakistan is a pressing concern that requires immediate attention. Addressing this challenge involves not only improving infrastructure, but also raising awareness and breaking down societal taboos. By implementing comprehensive strategies and collaborating with various stakeholders, Pakistan can make significant strides towards ensuring better menstrual hygiene for all women.

State in Anarchy, Anarchy in State: Navigating Pakistan's Ongoing Instability

By: Saima Ikhlaq

Karachi, 19th August 2023

As the sun rises over the sprawling landscapes of Pakistan, the nation finds itself entangled in a paradoxical dance between governance and chaos. “State in Anarchy, Anarchy in State” aptly captures the tumultuous narrative that has come to define Pakistan's contemporary sociopolitical landscape. This article delves into the intricate tapestry of factors contributing to the ongoing instability within the country.

The Shifting Sands of Politics

The political sphere of Pakistan resembles a pendulum, swinging erratically between democratic aspirations and authoritarian tendencies. Elections bring forth hopes of change, yet the shadow of instability lingers. Amidst power struggles and allegations of corruption, the concept of a stable political framework remains elusive.

Economic Precarity and Social Unrest

The economic challenges faced by Pakistan cast a long shadow on the stability of the nation. Rising inflation, unemployment, and a lack of access to basic services have fueled frustration among citizens. Such societal discord becomes fertile ground for various factions seeking to exploit the discontent.

Security Dilemmas: Balancing Acts

Pakistan's geographical location, often referred to as a blessing and a curse, places it at the crossroads of regional tensions. The internal security landscape is further marred by terrorism, sectarian violence, and separatist movements. These challenges have woven an intricate web, testing the resilience of state institutions.

Media's Role in the Chaos

The media, a powerful tool in shaping public opinion, finds itself in the center of this turmoil. The information age has enabled the rapid dissemination of narratives, both constructive and destructive. Misinformation and polarized reporting contribute to the chaos, hindering a collective understanding of the issues at hand.

The Youth Factor: Agents of Change?

The burgeoning youth population of Pakistan holds immense potential to alter the course of the nation. However, they are grappling with limited opportunities, educational disparities, and a sense of disillusionment. Their energy, if channeled positively, could be the catalyst for a brighter, more stable future.

A Pathway to Stability

A ray of hope still pierces through the clouds of instability. A united effort to address structural weaknesses, promote transparent governance, and prioritize socio-economic development can set the nation on a trajectory towards stability. Collaborative diplomacy and a renewed focus on education are integral steps toward fostering a brighter future.

In conclusion, Pakistan's journey towards stability is a complex mosaic, interwoven with history, geopolitics, and socio-economic factors. The challenges it faces are immense, but the resilience of its people is equally remarkable. "State in Anarchy, Anarchy in State" serves as a call to action — a reminder that, amidst chaos, the pursuit of a stable and prosperous Pakistan remains within our grasp.

Saima Ikhlaq is a Media graduate with a keen interest in understanding the dynamics of contemporary global issues. This article reflects their analysis of Pakistan's ongoing instability and their commitment to shedding light on the multifaceted challenges it faces.

Say No to workplace Harassment!

By Saima Ikhlaq

Being a Media Student,I expect to work in a most professional environment but what if I see that this industry whether news or entertainment side,is actually creating the most challenging job for female because here the young girls may attract by the glamour of media world but lost in the darkness of somewhere.

I have seen some of my friend working in media industry but left because somehow they didn't find compatibility or they might not understand the difference between class room and workplace environment. Even so many of them are unaware about the existence of law to protect women safety at workplace or maybe thinking legal process too complex.This is where the real challenge lies.

The issue of workplace harassment, and why it continues to exist so prominently within the modern workplace have been the centre of debate for decades. The questions around how it should be dealt with, and whether it is fair for someone else to take precautions just so they are not a victim is unfair, when restrictions and specific modifications in behaviour should be required from the criminal minds who believe it is acceptable to behave in such a disgusting manner.
There are numerous questions in my mind and their positive answers will only lead to the path of productive workplace environment.

can we, as a society, ever sensitise ourselves enough to give women the courage and the confidence to approach authorities for help and justice if need be?
 
Will women find it easy to approach the HR department to report an influential superior, with a lot of clout, who has sexually harassed her and expect to receive justice? Will the ranks in a company hierarchy keep the moral courage and good sense to side with the victim no matter influential her harasser is?

Will women ever gain enough confidence to approach the police to report harassment cases without fear of being judged, condemned or blamed for the crime that someone else has committed?

Will society ever begin to comprehend the difference between a victim and a perpetrator?

The answer is up to you to take the first step out against harassment whether you're the victim or seen someone being under this fear.Educational system should trained the students to tackle such situation specially while doing internship.This is a very crucial topic and needs more attention. The most important step forward is to focus on healthy work environments by ensuring that administrations at institutions follow a standard code of conduct and there are enough measures to deals with harassment situations.The legal procedure should be made convenient enough that women can easily approach and avail it.Propagating awareness on workplace harassment would be inevitable to bring real change in society because its not just the women who is effecting by this problem but a society as a whole.We should also need to motivate, encourage, support and build confidence in our women to bravely face such situations. At the same time, we must create necessary awareness in men as well. it's time to come out from our comfort zone,lets keep it on record or at least speak up for the sake of awareness because this is the least we can do from our side!


.

Review Time:Drama "ISHQ ME KAFIR"

Drama "Ishq me Kaafir has been on aired on Aplus channel at 9:00pm on every Monday and just like fire spread among its audience due to its unusual story.Behind drama the concept has given by Umera Ahmed, written by Dilshad Naseem while the cast includes Sabor Ali,Gohar Mumtaz,Saba faisal,Iqrah Qaiser,Iqrah Kanwal,Mohsin Gillani and other supporting characters.

story revolves around superstitious and their result in one's life.Ujala the leading character loves his University's fellow Fahad and wants her at every cost  and wants to marry him whereas Fahad is not intersted in her and loves Dua.Ujala dream is to become a doctor and to marry Fahad,and just for fulfilling her dreams, she takes the help of taweez to have Fahad from Dua and she goes till the last try of "Taweez".some how she will be successful and her black magic work,Fahad got married Ujala but still loves Dua as she was her first love.

The drama is still going on and enthralled and entertain the viewers. The strong script, hold the audience at 9:00pm and everyone enjoyed that black magic effects on fahad's and Ujala relationship.

The Fahad's character seems sophisticated and decent, as he seems mature in his educational life in a play. Whereas Ujala seems stubborn and jealous girl who is completely blind in love and then through black-magic gets what she wants.

In recent episode, Ujala starts using negative power by the help of black magic to control Fahad over her decisions with a dialogue" Ab Ishq Mey Kaffir hi Sahi" strikes the viewers.check this out, you definitely like the unusual story.

sensation By The Sea #KOLACHI

karachi rewinds itself and became "Kolachi" means I'm talking about the great Kolachi restaurant.The restaurant launched on 25th of April,2012 and has been going on successfully. 

Well,food near nature always gives us positive vibes and especially near water, makes us feel that we surround with purity and true love that means food of love and Pakistani are under the label of foodies so yeah for karachities, and especially for me the best place to get refresh along food is Kolachi Restaurant.

The best thing of Kolachi is obviously its yummicious,delicious food in a relaxing environment because its give me awesome feeling when cool breezes touches my face and I take bite from hot tikka roll..yummm that's feelings are seriously awesome because more often karachi's temperature is hot but if you are foodie then you must checkout the karachi' Kolachi.

Food is not just to satisfy your taste and appetite but it also gives you best "family" or "friends" time,especially in hectic robotic life.if you wanna checkout the menu so what else you think available here? French,Italian,Chinese,Desi, yes Desi food always close to my heart, everything you can order at Kolachi.

The most famous dish is Sulemani Karahi, I like that too much and more often choose this for my meal and not only me whoever comes here.like to order this unique named karahi,nitss too delicious, not just its names makes it unique but also its taste, that is little sour.little sweet along tarka of spicies.if you order half so it will cost 990 Rs or full in 1650Rs.

Sulemani Karahi at Kolachi

Moreover what you want,you"ll get to fulfill your tummy's desire.Fish is well represented among foods it wasn't in pieces but served as whole that really attracts me.the quality and quantity of food is satisfying.

If I talk about their services, they are good in this too, I get my food after little bit of waiting but that not bothers me because of the beautiful view of cool waves,water always refreshes me. karachities do come here and checkout their menu, you really like that chill and cool environment though their food is little bit costly but not damage to your pocket.Overall for me, a comfortable experience.