elpais.com
Father Advocates for Men's Role in Menstrual Education
Cristobal Somarriva Quezada, a father of three and Softys executive, wrote an open letter advocating for fathers' involvement in menstrual education, highlighting the global lack of adequate resources and support for girls experiencing menstruation, and emphasizing the importance of open conversations to break the stigma.
- What are the key barriers preventing fathers from participating in conversations about menstruation, and what are the immediate consequences of this lack of involvement?
- Cristobal Somarriva Quezada, father of three daughters and executive at Softys, wrote an open letter on World Menstrual Hygiene Day highlighting the need for fathers' involvement in menstrual education. He acknowledges the cultural barriers preventing men from participating in these conversations and emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding. His goal is to support his daughters and break the stigma surrounding menstruation.
- How do cultural norms and societal expectations influence the way menstruation is discussed within families, and what role do schools play in addressing these challenges?
- Somarriva's experience reflects a global issue; UNICEF and WHO report that only 2/5 schools provide menstrual education, and less than 1/3 have adequate disposal facilities. In Latin America, 43% of girls miss school due to insufficient resources and infrastructure, underscoring the need for comprehensive support.
- What are the long-term impacts of inadequate menstrual hygiene management on girls' education, health, and overall well-being, and what strategies can effectively promote broader societal change?
- Integrating fathers into menstrual education promotes equity and health, fostering an environment where menstruation is discussed openly. This approach extends beyond biology, encompassing emotional well-being and challenging negative stigmas affecting girls' self-esteem. Somarriva's call for inclusive conversations and family participation is crucial for creating a supportive environment for girls.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The narrative frames the issue primarily through the personal experience of the father, highlighting his journey of understanding and empathy. While this is a valid approach, it might inadvertently overshadow the broader societal and systemic issues surrounding menstrual health. The headline (if any) would likely emphasize the father's perspective, potentially prioritizing his personal narrative over the larger public health implications.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the father's perspective and experience, potentially omitting other relevant viewpoints, such as those of mothers, educators, or healthcare professionals involved in menstrual health education. While acknowledging the global statistics on menstrual health challenges, it doesn't delve into the specifics of different cultural contexts or the varied levels of access to resources across different socioeconomic groups. The article also omits discussion of the various solutions and initiatives currently addressing menstrual health issues worldwide.
Gender Bias
The article focuses on the father's perspective, which, while valuable, risks neglecting the voices and experiences of girls and women directly affected by menstrual health challenges. While the article highlights statistics about girls missing school due to menstruation, the focus remains on the father's role in addressing the issue. The article does not contain any gender-biased language.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights the importance of male involvement in menstrual health education, challenging gender roles and promoting gender equality. By encouraging fathers to engage in conversations about menstruation, it aims to break down cultural barriers and create a more supportive environment for girls and women. This directly contributes to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by improving menstrual hygiene management and reducing stigma, and indirectly supports SDG 4 (Quality Education) by advocating for comprehensive menstrual health education in schools.