Breaking Taboos, Ensuring Dignity: Transforming Menstrual Hygiene Management in Cyclone-Prone Bangladesh
Cox's Bazar cyclone-prone coastal regions of Bangladesh, the fierce winds and torrential rains brought about by the storm had forced many families to seek refuge at the local cyclone shelter. Among them was Shila, a young adolescent girl who found herself experiencing her first menstruation during this time of crisis. As the storm raged outside, Shila felt a mix of confusion and fear. The lack of knowledge and understanding about menstruation within her community had left her unprepared for this significant milestone in her life. Additionally, the cyclone shelter's management and infrastructure were ill-equipped to address the specific needs of adolescent girls like Shila. Inside the overcrowded shelter, Shila's feel fear, shy and hesitated to reach out for help. The limited privacy and lack of appropriate facilities made her uncomfortable, compounding her anxiety. She watched as the shelter's staff struggled to provide basic necessities and maintain order amidst the ch