Eliminating discrimination against women in the area of health and safety, with a focus on the instrumentalization of women's bodies 2016, para. 68
Paragraph
Paragraph text
Menstruation is surrounded by stigma, resulting in the ostracism of and discrimination against women and girls. In some cultures menstruating women and girls are considered to be contaminated and impure and restrictions and interdictions during menstruation are imposed on them. Women and girls may continue to harbour internalized stigma and are embarrassed to discuss menstruation even where there are no restrictions. They live with a lack of privacy for cleaning and washing, a fear of staining and smelling and a lack of hygiene in school toilets or separate sanitation facilities.
Legal status
Non-negotiated soft law
Body
Working Group on the issue of discrimination against women in law and practice
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Means of adoption
N.A.
Topic(s)
Equality & Inclusion
Water & Sanitation
Person(s) affected
Girls
Women
Year
2016
Paragraph type
Other
Reference
WG Discrimination Against Women, Report to the HRC (2016), A/HRC/32/44, para. 68.