但在发展中国家，把经期视为负面象征仍是普遍的现象。所以，联合国在2015年宣布了「2030永续发展目标」（Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs），其中就包含了保障女性在经期卫生方面的需求，推动许多与经期健康和护理有关的项目。世界经期卫生日的举办可以说是帮助联合国推动妇女健康计划中的一个重要活动。
Menstrual Hygiene Day, initiated by the German non-profit organization WASH United in 2013, is observed annually on May 28th. Its goal is to raise global awareness about menstrual health and hygiene, promote gender equality, and make it easier for women to access essential hygiene resources.
In the past, menstruation was often considered an unclean, unlucky private matter or taboo, both in the East and the West, causing women distress and shame. However, with the progress of time, people in many countries have begun to adopt a healthier and more relaxed attitude toward menstruation, showing concern for menstrual health and feminine hygiene, and engaging in public discussions on these topics.
As we take Taiwan as an example, starting in 2021, the Tainan City Government took the lead in providing free menstrual products to women from disadvantaged families and female students. The following year, Taipei City, Kaohsiung City, New Taipei City, Hsinchu City, and Taichung City also began offering free menstrual products to women in various forms. This led the Congress propose in November 2022 that the Ministry of Education expand this program to all primary and secondary schools nationwide.
However, in developing countries, menstruation is still commonly seen as a negative symbol. Therefore, the United Nations announced the "2030 Sustainable Development Goals" (SDGs) in 2015, which include ensuring women's needs for menstrual hygiene and promoting various projects related to menstrual health and care. The observance of Menstrual Hygiene Day can be seen as an important activity in supporting the UN's women's health initiatives.
Thus, the promotion of Menstrual Hygiene Day aims to encourage people worldwide, especially women, to prioritize menstrual health and hygiene, provide accurate information, educate women on how to manage and cope with menstrual discomfort, and alleviate the inconveniences and anxieties brought by menstruation, thereby promoting physical and mental well-being.
Nowadays, feminine wash and vaginal soothing products are widely acknowledged by women in many countries. The hygiene awareness aroused would empower women direct access to related products. It is women's right and obligation to care themselves.
