In an effort to raise awareness about menstrual hygiene and improve women’s health, the Obstetric and Gynaecological Society of Bangladesh (OGSB) and Senora—Square Toiletries Limited’s flagship hygiene brand—have joined forces for a campaign titled “Ensuring Safe Menstrual Hygiene.”
The event, held recently in Dhaka, gathered gynaecologists, public health experts, media representatives, and key officials from Square Group. Professor Dr. Farhana Dewan, President of OGSB, and other prominent healthcare leaders highlighted the urgent need for safe menstrual hygiene practices to be adopted nationwide.
According to Kantar’s 2024 Household Penetration Data, only 17.4% of Bangladeshi women use sanitary napkins, leaving the vast majority at risk of infection and contributing to high absenteeism rates in schools and workplaces.
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Speakers at the event expressed concern over the health risks associated with poor menstrual hygiene. It is estimated that 97% of women in Bangladesh will experience cervical infections due to the use of unsafe materials like old cloths, cotton, or chemically scented products. Furthermore, 68% of girls marry within four years of their first menstruation, which can lead to early reproductive health complications. In the education sector, 40% of schoolgirls miss an average of three days per month during their periods, hindering their academic progress. In the ready-made garment industry, over six million female workers lose six working days each year due to menstrual discomfort, leading to significant losses in both productivity and income.
For over 30 years, Senora has been providing 100% sterilized, chemical-free, and fragrance-free sanitary napkins at affordable prices, aiming to make menstrual hygiene accessible to women across all socioeconomic backgrounds. The brand also actively promotes awareness through educational outreach in schools, health sessions at garment factories, and vending machine initiatives in urban areas.
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Malik Mohammad Sayeed, CEO of Square Toiletries Limited, emphasized the shared goal of OGSB and Senora to ensure that 60% of Bangladeshi women have access to safe menstrual hygiene protection by 2030. He stressed that this issue is not just about health, but also about dignity, equity, and national wellbeing. “This is more than just a health issue; it is a matter of dignity, equity, and national progress. It is vital that we work together to build a future where every woman can manage her menstrual health safely and with confidence,” he stated.
The event concluded with a raffle draw and a networking lunch, marking an important step towards achieving menstrual health equity in Bangladesh.
