On 18 February 2025, WLI hosted an online Learning & Networking event exploring the role of men and male allies in promoting menstrual health in the Pacific.
The event was hosted for Australia Awards scholars and alumni from the Pacific and their families, as well as development colleagues in our region.
A summary paper compiling key insights shared during this event is available to download.
About menstruation in the Pacific
According to UN Women, more than two billion people menstruate each month. Despite this prevalence, taboos and stigma negatively influence women’s perception of their own menstrual cycle, and the way men and societies around the world view this natural biological process and engage with those experiencing it.
Menstrual health remains a critical yet often overlooked issue affecting public health and development in the Pacific. Significant challenges, including limited access to water and sanitation facilities, hygiene products, and education combine with cultural taboos and stigma to hinder progress and keep women and girls from fulfilling their potential.
Improving menstrual health outcomes inclusively
Recent research by WaterAid Australia and UNDP highlighting these barriers emphasises the need for inclusive dialogue and male allyship to challenge harmful norms and improve menstrual health outcomes.
In this online event, WLI aimed to promote a supportive dialogue between women and men on the challenges surrounding menstrual health, and to discuss ways to bring more men into the conversation. The event also encouraged attendees to think about ways to initiate positive change in their homes and communities.
About the event panel
During this event, an expert panel spoke from their own experiences of strengthening menstrual health education, developing male allies, and fostering supportive communities in the Pacific.
Facilitated by Florence Siba, WLI and Australia Awards Alumna and Co-Founder of Meri Day PNG, the panel included:
- Ms. Sera Ratu - Program Manager, Reproductive Family Health Association of Fiji,
- Mr. Abitara Tekeke - Program Manager, Australian Volunteers Program, and
- Mr. Kaman Wasup - Australia Awards Alumnus, Co-Founder of Meri Day PNG.
Topics covered
The panel discussion covered a range of topics, including:
- barriers to menstrual health in the Pacific and how these impact on community life,
- ways to remove barriers to menstrual health - including advocating for policy change and improving programs and infrastructure, and
- strategies to strengthen menstrual health efforts - including to engage men, boys, and families.