WASH United

Originally, Thorsten’s work focused on water and sanitation. In the 2012 campaign in India then, Thorsten discovered that there was an issue that was even more neglected and taboo issue that affects half the world population: menstruation. Even though menstruation is a normal and healthy physical function without which none of us would exist, it continues to be wrapped in silence, taboos and stigma. Women and girls the world over continue to be stigmatized and excluded, resulting in lost educational and work opportunities, negative health consequences and reduced social status and confidence. In India, e.g., 70% of girls knew nothing or very little about menstruation when they had their first period. In South Africa, 76% of girls reported that they were afraid to get up in class when on their period. In the Philippines, 8% of girls reported missing school because of menstruation. If we want to create a truly gender-equal world in which everyone has equal opportunities to realize their potential and achieve their dreams, we need to put period stigma in the history books.
Addressing the issue presents a great opportunity - for women and girls, but also for entire economies. A girl that is empowered to manage her menstruation safely, hygienically, with confidence, and without shame is more likely to stay in school once she reaches puberty. She is then less likely to get married early or have children when she is not yet ready. On average, she will have fewer children and her family will be healthier, wealthier, and better educated. According to World Bank estimates, a 1 percent increase in girls completing secondary education increases gross domestic product by 0.3 percent and annual growth rates by 0.2 percent. To quote the World Bank: “Investing in good menstrual hygiene management to enable women and girls to reach their full potential is a critical measure to build a nation’s human capital over time.”
Back in 2013, menstruation was wrapped in a thick layer of silence around the globe. Thorsten’s idea: if we bundle all voices around the world on one specific day like a focused laser-beam, we can break the silence and catalyze action towards a world where women and girls are no longer held back because of their periods.