Mahwari Justice continues to stand as a beacon of hope and support for women and girls grappling with menstrual needs. Co-founded by Bushra Mahnoor and Anum Khalid, this youth-led organization has been at the forefront of providing menstrual support during times of crisis, particularly in the aftermath of devastating floods. Their unwavering commitment to ensuring dignity and access to essential menstrual products highlights the often-overlooked intersection between climate change and menstrual health. As Pakistan faces yet another round of intense monsoons and flooding, Mahwari Justice’s work becomes increasingly vital, addressing a critical need that persists regardless of environmental conditions.

The Ongoing Climate Crisis and Its Impact

Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate change has been starkly evident in recent years. The 2022 monsoon floods affected a staggering 33 million people across the country, causing widespread devastation. Now, in 2024, the nation faces another crisis. Since July 1, the death toll from intense rains and flooding has reached 209, with over 2,200 homes damaged. The province of Punjab alone saw fourteen deaths in a 24-hour period of particularly heavy flash flooding.

These recurring climate disasters disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, with women and girls often bearing a significant burden. The displacement, loss of infrastructure, and disruption of daily life create additional challenges for managing menstruation with dignity and proper hygiene. It’s in this context that Mahwari Justice’s work becomes crucial, addressing a fundamental need that doesn’t cease even in the midst of a crisis.

Menstrual Support: Mahwari Justice’s Response to the Crisis

Mahwari Justice’s approach to providing menstrual support is both immediate and forward-thinking. In response to the current floods, they have already sent dignity kits to the city of Gwadar and are preparing to distribute 600 more kits in Sindh province. These kits contain essential menstrual hygiene products that can be difficult or impossible to access in flood-affected areas.

But their work goes beyond just distribution. Anticipating the monsoon season, Mahwari Justice engaged communities in think tanks focused on menstruation and climate change. This proactive approach aims to educate and mobilize communities about the significant impact that climate change and natural calamities have on menstruation. By raising awareness and fostering open discussions, they’re working to break down the persistent stigma surrounding periods.

Bushra Mahnoor emphasizes their core message: “We have been saying this since 2022, periods don’t stop in climate crisis, women’s access to essential menstrual products shouldn’t as well. No one should be left to deal with their periods without necessary material and dignity. No one.”

Challenges and Community Mobilization

Despite their crucial work, Mahwari Justice faces significant challenges. As a youth-led movement, they often lack access to substantial funds or products. This limitation is compounded by the absence of systematic support, making their efforts all the more remarkable.

Another major hurdle is the persistent stigma surrounding menstruation. Even during crises, people hesitate to openly discuss periods or ask for menstrual products. This stigma not only hampers distribution efforts but also perpetuates a cycle of silence and shame around a natural bodily function.

To combat these challenges, Mahwari Justice is leveraging all available platforms to spread awareness and encourage community support. They’ve built a network of activists, supporters, and volunteers who are driving meaningful change within their own communities. This grassroots approach is creating a ripple effect, slowly but surely breaking down barriers and normalizing conversations about menstrual health.

The Broader Impact of Mahwari Justice’s Work

The impact of Mahwari Justice extends far beyond the immediate provision of menstrual products. By consistently showing up and addressing this often-overlooked need during crises, they’re highlighting a critical gap in disaster response and climate adaptation strategies.

Their work underscores the importance of considering gender-specific needs in climate change discussions and disaster preparedness plans. It challenges policymakers and relief organizations to incorporate menstrual hygiene management into their broader strategies for climate resilience and disaster response.

Moreover, Mahwari Justice is empowering a new generation of advocates. By providing a platform for young people to raise their voices for a “period friendly world,” they’re nurturing future leaders who understand the intersectionality of climate justice, gender equality, and public health.

As Pakistan continues to grapple with the impacts of climate change, Mahwari Justice’s commitment to providing menstrual support remains unwavering. Their work is a powerful reminder that even in the face of large-scale environmental disasters, basic human needs persist and must be addressed. By continuing to distribute dignity kits, raise awareness, and challenge stigma, Mahwari Justice is not just meeting an immediate need – they’re paving the way for more comprehensive, gender-sensitive approaches to climate resilience and disaster response.

The challenges they face – from limited resources to persistent stigma – highlight the need for greater systemic support and a shift in societal attitudes towards menstruation. As Bushra Mahnoor aptly puts it, “All of this is why we need collective action.” Their call to action serves as a reminder that addressing menstrual needs in the context of climate change is not just a women’s issue – it’s a human rights issue that requires collective effort and attention.

In the face of recurring climate disasters, Mahwari Justice stands as a testament to the power of grassroots movements and youth leadership. Their work not only provides crucial support to those in need but also challenges us all to consider the often-overlooked aspects of climate change impacts. As we move forward in addressing the global climate crisis, the lessons and example set by Mahwari Justice serve as an important reminder of the need for inclusive, comprehensive approaches that leave no one behind – especially when it comes to basic dignity and health.