In celebration of Menstrual Hygiene Day, Water Aid produced a spoof ad that visualizes what men would do if they had periods to raise awareness about women who don't have access to "safe water, hygiene and sanitation," when their monthly visitor comes along.
The international launched this advocacy so people will know that there are about 1.25 billion women around the world who are not able to use a clean toilet or bathroom.
Mirror UK reports that based men would likely brag about having menstruation on social media, and celebrities would sign up for tampon endorsements. This however is not an accurate representation of what regular women experience during their monthly cycles.
Water Aid's chief executive officer, Barbara Frost, said in the interview that although 800 million women worldwide undergo menstrual period, most of them find it embarrassing and unhygienic. Many cultures in different countries still practice superstitious activities against the regular bleeding.
"Menstruation is an important women's issue. One in three women around the world does not have access to a toilet during their periods and having to find a safe place after dark is both undignified and risky," Frost explained. "Millions more suffer discrimination because of beliefs that they are 'contaminated' or 'impure'.
The organization gathered stories of struggling women in different countries. There were reports of 16-year-old young girls who don't have access to a nearby, decent toilet.
One girl from India, Kajal, said they don't have a toilet at home, and she has to go to public bathrooms, where even men can see her changing her pad. "During my period, it's difficult as I have to change my pad - I use any cloth and throw it away after in a bag," she shared.
Lydia, another teenager from Uganda, said they don't even go to school when they're having menstruation, since the school's toilets don't have doors for privacy.
If only it was as relieving if men undergo the menstrual cycle instead. This Water Aid campaign will not only inform, but may even brighten up those who are PMS-ing all over the world.
Watch the Water Aid ad below.
