Henna: A Canvas for Education – OMO’s Bold Step to Break Period Taboos in Saudi Arabia

OMO has launched an educational campaign in Saudi Arabia, embedding period care tips into henna designs. This initiative aims to break menstruation taboos and empower women by leveraging henna salons as traditional spaces where women discuss personal stories.

New research from OMO highlights a cultural paradox in Saudi Arabia: while many women believe menstrual attitudes are changing positively, the topic remains taboo for most. This silence fosters misinformation, with 70% admitting to discarding clothes due to period stains they couldn't remove.

To address this gap in knowledge and promote open discussions, OMO initiated an educational campaign by integrating period care tips into henna designs. Henna and beauty salons, traditional venues for personal storytelling, become instrumental in educating women on managing menstruation effectively.

Sarah Qazi of Unilever emphasizes the campaign's cultural sensitivity, combining storytelling with practical advice on stain removal. This includes a three-step washing method incorporated into henna art. By empowering women creatively, OMO hopes to transform the traditional narrative of henna into a modern educational tool.

(With inputs from agencies.)