For Healthy and Strong Girls

March is the month dedicated to women’s history, a month that marks the achievements of women in the economic, political and social areas. That is why during this month we dedicate the “Youth Health Corner” to women’s health or more specifically to girl’s health. There are differences between girls and boys in terms of health care and hygiene needs, which is a result of biological and physiological differences between them.

Women’s health care should start at an early age and it is especially important in the period from 12 to 18 years. Unfortunately, in our country, this topic is not related at all to girls who are in their developmental period. Facing girls with health care challenges is a taboo subject. This is a result of the prejudices and customs that still prevail in our society and restrict the rights of girls to adequate health care.

Lack of education for young girls to take care of their health leads to a very low level of awareness of both parents and the girls themselves about women’s health and the health care services that are or should be available to girls.

Every girl aged 12 to 18 should choose a gynecologist. Legal obligations dictate this, but this information is almost unknown. It is contained in the rules of the Health Insurance Fund. The age limit has been lowered from 14 to 12 years, according to the observations of experts that the beginning of the reproductive period is from the age of 12 years.

The health of girls is endangered in schools as well, due to the lack of basic hygiene conditions. In most of the schools in our country, there is no soap or toilet paper in the toilets, not to mention a hanger or shelf for storing hygiene products. This shows that the different needs of girls for using toilets compared to boys are not taken into account at all.

Lack of access to feminine hygiene products and basic sanitation is becoming a worldwide epidemic, and the United Nations has recognized it as a global problem of public health and human rights.

Open conversation with parents, adequate education of girls, use of safe hygiene products and practice of good hygiene habits can lead to safer girl’s health.
Overcoming all prejudices and limitations related to women’s health is imperative.

The fight for girl’s health rights continues.

For healthy and strong girls!

Happy International Women’s Day!