** Positive masculinity and menstrual hygiene in Mbuji-Mayi: Towards a deconstruction of taboos **
On May 28, 2025, in Mbuji-Mayi, a city in Oriental Kasai in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a morning of exchanges highlighted the importance of positive masculinity in the promotion of menstrual hygiene without taboo. The gender expert Carlin Vese stressed that this cause should not be exclusively defended by women, but also involve active participation of men. This initiative, which coincides with the International Day of menstrual hygiene, deserves special attention, as it approaches an often neglected subject.
At the heart of this discussion is an observation: the rules remain a heavy subject of taboos within the different communities of the DRC. Despite the fact that it is a natural biological process, the silence that surrounds this phenomenon has significant consequences on the lives of young girls. According to Mr. Vese, this silence is not only an obstacle to education but also an impediment to access adequate hygienic protections, thus contributing to an environment where young girls often feel isolated and devalued.
### The implications of positive masculinity
Positive masculinity, as evidenced by Mr. Vese, is presented as a potential lever for many social changes. By encouraging men to become “key players” for the promotion of better menstrual hygiene, we open the way to a social dynamic where gender roles are redefined. This raises several questions: how can men be encouraged to engage in this cause? What benefits could they derive from it not only for women, but also for their own personal and professional development?
By adopting an active role, men can not only break gender stereotypes, but also contribute to the creation of a more respectful and inclusive environment. Indeed, investing in an education that defies received ideas on menstruation could also have repercussions on other areas, such as public health and the general well-being of communities.
### The remaining challenges
However, the implementation of positive masculinity in the face of the taboo of rules is not without obstacles. Patriarchal culture strongly anchored in the DRC can constitute an obstacle to the imposition of new behaviors. It is essential to recognize that deeply rooted traditions and beliefs often take time to transform. In this context, how can initiatives like that of Mbuji-Mayi lead to lasting change?
Access to information and education is also a central issue. Awareness campaigns must respond to local realities and adapt to the various perceptions of gender roles in a society where men and women can have very different ideas on these questions. In addition, it is crucial to ensure that the necessary resources, such as dignity kits and drinking water, be available for all young girls to prevent them from missing the school during their menstruation.
### Towards a shared responsibility
It is undeniable that the question of menstrual hygiene in the DRC requires a collective approach. During his intervention, Mr. Vese insists that the promotion of menstrual hygiene must be perceived not only as a charity action, but also as an investment in gender equality and human development. This raises a deep reflection: how can communities take advantage of an approach where positive masculinity and menstrual hygiene education meet to promote collective well-being?
The movement towards a more nuanced understanding of masculinity and menstrual hygiene could also strengthen family and community ties. By encouraging men to support their fathers, brothers, partners and girls in this process, we can hope to encourage an atmosphere of mutual support, conducive to the development of each.
### Conclusion
Thus, the discussion carried out in Mbuji-Mayi on positive masculinity as a keystone for menstrual hygiene without taboos poses the milestones of a real paradigm change. If this initiative manages to initiate an increasing number of men in this common struggle, it is possible to hope for a significant transformation of mentalities and practices around menstruation. In the ideal future, this synergy between positive masculinity and menstrual hygiene could help reduce gender inequalities and promote a more respectful, inclusive environment and aware of the challenges that young girls are going through.
Investing in such a project constitutes not only a step towards equality, but also a promise of a future where menstrual hygiene will no longer be a subject of shame, but a reality accepted and supported by all.