Senora and OGSB join hands to promote safe, infection-free menstrual hygiene

In a bid to raise awareness on menstrual hygiene and safeguard women's health, the Obstetric and Gynaecological Society of Bangladesh (OGSB) and Senora—Square Toiletries Limited's flagship hygiene brand—jointly organised a campaign titled "Ensuring Safe Menstrual Hygiene."

Held recently in the capital, the event brought together gynaecologists, public health experts, media representatives, and senior officials from Square Group. Professor Dr Farhana Dewan, President of OGSB, along with other prominent voices in women's healthcare, underscored the urgent need for widespread adoption of safe menstrual hygiene practices in Bangladesh.

According to Kantar's 2024 Household Penetration Data, only 17.4% of Bangladeshi women currently use sanitary napkins, leaving the overwhelming majority exposed to infection risks and contributing to high rates of absenteeism in schools and workplaces.

Speakers at the programme expressed deep concern over the scale of health risks faced by women due to unhygienic menstrual practices. Around 97% of women in Bangladesh suffer from cervical infections at some point in their lives, largely due to the use of unsafe materials such as old cloths, cotton, or chemically scented products. Furthermore, 68% of girls are married within four years of their first menstruation, exposing them to early reproductive health complications. In the education sector, 40% of school-going girls miss an average of three school days per month during their periods, creating setbacks in academic progress. In the readymade garment industry, over six million female workers lose six working days each year due to menstrual discomfort, resulting in significant losses in both productivity and earnings.

For over three decades, Senora has been offering 100% sterilised, chemical-free, and fragrance-free sanitary napkins at affordable prices, aiming to make menstrual hygiene accessible to women from all socioeconomic backgrounds. In addition to product distribution, the brand actively promotes awareness through educational outreach in schools, health sessions at garment factories, and vending machine initiatives in urban areas.

Malik Mohammad Sayeed, CEO of Square Toiletries Limited, reaffirmed the shared goal of OGSB and Senora to bring 60% of Bangladeshi women under safe menstrual hygiene protection by 2030. He stressed that the issue goes beyond personal health and is in fact a national concern. "This is more than a health issue—it is a matter of dignity, equity, and national wellbeing. Collective efforts are essential in building a future where every woman can manage her menstrual health safely and confidently," he said.

The programme concluded with a raffle draw and a networking lunch, marking a meaningful step forward in the journey toward menstrual health equity.