NAIROBI, May 12 (Xinhua) -- An annual meeting to develop international standards for menstrual products kicked off Monday in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi, bringing together senior policymakers, regulatory agencies, entrepreneurs, and gender specialists.

Convened by the United Nations Sanitation and Hygiene Fund (SHF), the Kenya Bureau of Standards, and the Swedish Institute for Standards, the third in-person meeting of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) runs until Friday with the aim of developing global standards for menstrual products.

"The development of global ISO standards for menstrual products reflects an urgent and universal need to unlock markets, improve trade, and most importantly, expand access for women and girls everywhere," said Sue Coates, deputy executive director of the SHF.

According to Coates, there is an urgency to support emerging as well as low- and middle-income economies in adopting the standards, ensuring that women and girls manage their menstrual cycles with dignity.

One in four women and girls worldwide struggle to manage their periods safely and with dignity, according to the SHF, hence the need to develop menstrual products that meet safety and quality thresholds.

During the meeting, the SHF and its partners will host a special high-level session to discuss how countries and local companies can adequately prepare for the adoption and application of globally recognized standards for menstrual products.

The agency added that once finalized, the standards will outline safety requirements and testing methods for menstrual products, improving their safety, stimulating innovation, boosting menstrual health and hygiene, and hastening the realization of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. ■