Several girls say that in Afghanistan, serious attention is not given to the problems and challenges women face during menstruation. They add that in many remote provinces and districts, women and girls still do not have access to sanitary pads, and some are forced to use cloth pieces or other unhygienic materials. According to these girls, many women do not even have sufficient awareness about the proper use of sanitary pads, while others lack the financial means to afford them. They say that menstruation is still considered a taboo topic in many families, and many girls are forced to keep this situation hidden.
Meanwhile, some doctors emphasize that proper awareness about menstrual hygiene, the use of safe sanitary products, healthy nutrition, and psychological support can play an important role in improving the physical health, mental well-being, and self-confidence of girls and women.
Kawsar, a resident of Kabul, said that in Afghanistan, serious attention is not given to the problems and difficulties women face during menstruation, especially in traditional families where women are expected to continue all household chores even when they are physically unwell.
“In many families, there is still an expectation that women continue doing household chores even when they are experiencing pain and physical discomfort, while also concealing their menstrual status, as discussing menstruation is still considered shameful in some environments,” she added. “On the other hand, in most cases, men do not help with household work even when they are aware of the situation.”
“During menstruation, I experience severe pain—pain that sometimes leaves me so weak that I need IV drips and injections. No matter how much treatment I have tried, my health has not improved. During this period, I become irritable, lose my appetite, and feel anxious, and I prefer not to talk to anyone because all my energy is spent on enduring the pain,” Zahida Ebrahimkhel, another resident of Kabul, said.
She also pointed to economic problems and a lack of health facilities and added, “Perhaps in cities, relatively good-quality sanitary pads can be found, but in the outskirts and especially in villages, access to these items is very limited. In addition, many families’ economic conditions do not allow them to use proper sanitary pads every month. These are some of the problems that women in Afghanistan are still facing.”
Zahra (pseudonym), a resident of Paktia province, said that in many provinces and remote districts, women and girls still do not have access to sanitary pads and are forced to use cloth and unhygienic materials, which can cause diseases and health problems. She added that some women are not even familiar with sanitary pads.
She added, “About a week before the start of menstruation, I experience back and abdominal pain, and with the beginning of my period, my mental state also changes. During these days, I feel depressed; I do not have the energy to go outside or even get out of bed. Severe pain, fatigue, and psychological pressure make me feel sad and irritated. I get angry easily, and sometimes I cry for no reason.”
This woman said, “In Afghanistan, women still do not receive adequate attention during menstruation, and most are forced to continue all their household and daily responsibilities as usual, without having any opportunity to rest.”
Nora (pseudonym), a resident of Badakhshan province, also shares a similar account. She said that menstruation is still considered a shameful topic for women in Afghanistan, and many girls are forced to hide this condition from male family members.
“During this period, I experienced fatigue, irritability, severe leg pain, body chills, and psychological pressure. We expect at least understanding and support from our families, but unfortunately, in most cases, this does not happen,” she said. “Women are forced to continue their daily chores despite their poor physical and mental condition.”
She further emphasized that many girls still lack sufficient knowledge about menstruation and related healthcare. According to her, one of the major challenges in Afghanistan is the lack of access to standard and hygienic sanitary pads.
“Even during Ramadan, women are forced to eat in secret so that no one realizes they are menstruating. Sometimes we are pressured by our fathers or brothers about why we are not praying or fasting. These psychological pressures are very heavy, yet many women cannot speak about them,” Nora said. “In many remote areas, women are not even familiar with sanitary pads. Moreover, the sanitary pads available in the market are often of poor quality. Due to poverty, lack of awareness, or lack of access to hygienic materials, some women are forced to use cloth and other unhygienic materials, which can lead to irritation, infections, and various diseases among women.”
Meanwhile, Khadija Misbah, an obstetrician-gynecologist, said that Menstrual Hygiene Day is an important opportunity to raise awareness, promote respect, and support the health and dignity of girls and women.
“Menstruation is a natural, healthy, and important process in every woman’s life and should not be a source of shame, discrimination, or restriction for women and girls,” she stated. “Proper awareness of menstrual hygiene, the use of appropriate sanitary products, healthy nutrition, and psychological and emotional support can play an important role in improving physical health, mental well-being, and increasing the confidence of girls and women.”
Misbah further stated that in many societies, discussion about menstruation is still accompanied by fear, silence, and secrecy, whereas proper education and awareness can prevent many health problems, infections, and misconceptions. According to her, Menstrual Hygiene Day is a reminder that every girl and woman has the right to access health information, proper hygiene facilities, and a safe, healthy, and respectful environment.
“We must eliminate taboos and misconceptions about menstruation by increasing awareness, respect, and support, and promote a healthy culture of discussion about this natural process in society,” she emphasized.
However, Zakaria Barakzai, a psychologist, said that menstruation is an important and valuable phase in women’s lives; however, in Afghanistan, due to the presence of superstitions and a lack of awareness, it is often viewed in a degrading and incorrect way.
“Some believe that when women are menstruating, they are impure, and even their movement to sacred places is restricted; whereas menstruation is a completely natural bodily process and should be viewed with proper respect and understanding,” he added.
According to him, during this period, hormonal and physical changes occur in women’s bodies that can affect their mood, energy levels, and emotional state.
“Irritability, weakness, fatigue, and a relative sense of hopelessness are more commonly seen during this time; therefore, women need attention, empathy, and support from those around them and should not be subjected to insult, humiliation, or pressure,” Barakzai said.
He further notes that menstruation is still considered a taboo topic in Afghanistan, and many girls and women feel ashamed to even discuss it within their families. In his view, this mindset contributes to increased feelings of hopelessness and psychological isolation among women.
“In many cases, women even feel embarrassed when purchasing sanitary products for this period and are forced to ask others to buy them or to use non-standard materials at home,” Barakzai said. “There should be no shame or embarrassment surrounding menstruation. It should be recognized as a natural and important process in women’s lives, and women should be treated with respect during this time. Special attention to nutrition, physical health, and emotional well-being is also essential.”
Meanwhile, girls and women in Afghanistan continue to suffer from poor menstrual health conditions, as menstruation is still considered taboo in society, and necessary knowledge and awareness are not properly conveyed in homes, schools, and other educational institutions.
