Resources / Menstrual Hygiene Promotion, Pakistan

Summary

This study was undertaken to pilot work on Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) in the Mardan district, Pakistan. One school was selected from each of four Union Councils in the district, in which IRSP has previous projects in collaboration with WaterAid.

The Study is a combination of a literature review and interviews of teachers and students, which stresses the importance of MHM and the need for developing a strategy for sustainable solutions. According to the Study, 57% teachers recognized the issue in the first instance, while 43% recogniyed the issue previously and wanted to solve it. What came across from all the interviewees was a calling for a policy to help find solutions for the MHM in schools.

Results showed that students in 6 and 7 class levels had special requirements for education and information on Menstrual Hygiene. In government schools, the majority of students belong to lower class and lower middle class families and often cannot afford to pay for hygienic feminine products. This statement was confirmed by 57% of the students. This is the reason why 70% of students were forced to use old clothes, often resulting in biological disorders and thereby diminshing confidence.