DOCSLIB.ORG

Menstrual Hygiene Around the World

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Menstrual Hygiene Around the World A resource for improving menstrual hygiene around the world Sarah House, Thérèse Mahon and Sue Cavill p.2 Introductory pages Copyright © WaterAid. All rights reserved. This material is under copyright but may be reproduced by any method for educational purposes by anyone working to improve the lives of women and girls through strengthening menstrual hygiene knowledge and practices, as long as the source is clearly referenced. It should not be reproduced for sale or commercial purposes without prior written permission from the copyright holders. The authors would appreciate receiving information on when, where and for what purpose the materials have been used. Please send details to [email protected] Disclaimer This resource is a synthesis of good practice. While every effort has been made to obtain permission for the inclusion of materials, and also to verify that information is from a reputable source, checks have not been possible for all entries. Therefore, users are encouraged to follow up with the original references when considering using sections of this resource. This resource is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. WaterAid has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but makes no warranty as to its accuracy. A doctor or other healthcare professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. All examples of commercial products included within this resource are for learning purposes only and do not suggest endorsement by WaterAid and co-publishing organisations. Cover: A young woman producing low cost, First edition, 2012 hygienic sanitary pads in Mirpur, Dhaka. After sewing, the pads are sterilised using an auto- clave and then packed for sale. (Photo: Tridhara Photography/Anisur Rahman p.3 Menstrual hygiene matters About this resource In November 2010, WaterAid, with support from the A peer review process involving 21 individuals (see research consortium SHARE (Sanitation and Hygiene acknowledgements) with expertise from across relevant Applied Research for Equity), brought together 16 sectors was undertaken. Specific expert advice was practitioners and researchers with expertise in water, taken to develop and review the sections of this resource sanitation and hygiene (WASH), health, education and relating to health and menstrual hygiene, in particular gender to share knowledge and experiences and develop a Module 1, Section 1.6, and Toolkit 1, Section T1.3.4. research programme on menstrual hygiene. These sections were written by Suzanne Ferron, an independent consultant, registered nurse and registered The group noted that while there is a need for further health visitor. They were reviewed by Brad Kerner, research to fill critical gaps in our knowledge about Adolescent Reproductive Health Adviser, Save the menstrual hygiene and its impacts, there is a wealth of Children; Dr Belen Torondel, Research Fellow, London practical experience that has not yet been documented School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine; Dr Penelope and synthesised so that it can be more widely shared and Phillips-Howard, Senior Researcher, Centre for Public applied. This resource has been produced to address this Health, Liverpool John Moores University; and Dr Vendela gap. It presents comprehensive and practical guidance on McNamara, Associate Specialist in Sexual Health, what is already being implemented in different contexts to University Hospitals Leicester. Professor Alison Fiander, encourage replication. Chair Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Wales College of Medicine, and Fistula Surgeon at Disability Hospital, The resource has been produced at WaterAid by Sarah Dar es Salaam, reviewed Toolkit 7, Section T7.3.2, on House, Thérèse Mahon and Sue Cavill, with inputs incontinence and fistula and sanitary protection. from a wide range of individuals and organisations who have shared their experiences and resources through The authors have incorporated the reviewers’ comments as documentation, interviews and focus group discussions. far as possible and with particular care to correct any factual The resource was jointly funded by SHARE and WaterAid. errors. However, the opinions noted in this resource do not necessarily represent those of the reviewers or co-publishing organisations, but are solely those of the authors. p.4 Introductory pages Well designed and appropriate water, sanitation and hygiene facilities that address menstrual hygiene can make a significant difference to the schooling experience of adolescent girls (Photo: WaterAid/ASM Shafiqur Rahman) Co-published by: p.5 Menstrual hygiene matters Contents 7 Women and girls’ experiences of menstruation 63 Module 3 Menstrual hygiene – sanitary protection materials and disposal 8 Foreword 64 3.1 Comparing sanitary protection materials 9 Acknowledgements 75 3.2 Production, distribution and costs 90 3.3 Washing, drying, storage and disposal 11 Contributors to the resource 101 Module 4 Working with communities on menstrual 15 The purpose of this resource and how to use it hygiene 15 The purpose of this resource 102 4.1 Getting started 15 Who this resource is for 103 4.2 Practical menstrual hygiene interventions 16 Approach and format of the resource at community level 16 Structure of the resource 17 Menstrual hygiene – an overview 113 Module 5 Working with schools on menstrual 18 Acronyms hygiene 114 5.1 Getting started 122 5.2 Practical menstrual hygiene interventions Modules in schools 21 Module 1 Menstrual hygiene – the basics 129 Module 6 Menstrual hygiene in emergencies 22 1.1 Why considering menstrual hygiene is 130 6.1 Getting started important for all 136 6.2 Standards and guidelines on menstrual 24 1.2 What is menstruation? hygiene in emergencies 25 1.3 Cultural and religious beliefs, social norms 142 6.3 Practical menstrual hygiene interventions and myths on menstrual hygiene in emergencies 30 1.4 Girls’ first experiences of menstruation 31 1.5 Girls’ experiences of menstrual hygiene in 151 Module 7 Supporting women and girls in school and their impact vulnerable, marginalised or special 32 1.6 Health problems related to menstrual hygiene circumstances 38 1.7 How women and girls can keep themselves healthy during their menstrual period 152 7.1 Making a difference for women and girls in vulnerable, marginalised or special 45 Module 2 Menstrual hygiene – getting started circumstances 156 7.2 Menstrual hygiene challenges of women and 46 2.1 What we should be doing at household, girls in vulnerable, marginalised or special community, sub-national, national and circumstances and actions to support them international levels 164 7.3 Integrating menstrual hygiene into services 48 2.2 Institutional and sector responsibilities and programmes 51 2.3 Building confidence and competence 56 2.4 Men and boys’ involvement in menstrual hygiene 60 2.5 Resourcing for menstrual hygiene p.6 Introductory pages 171 Module 8 Menstrual hygiene in the workplace 287 Toolkit 5 Working with schools on menstrual hygiene 172 8.1 Menstrual hygiene challenges for women in the workplace 288 T5.1 Checklists and other tools 176 8.2 Good practice for menstrual hygiene in the 289 T5.2 Technical designs and specifications workplace 299 T5.3 Case studies, examples and further information 179 Module 9 Research, monitoring and advocacy 302 T5.4 Bibliography 180 9.1 Research, obtaining feedback and monitoring 303 Toolkit 6 Menstrual hygiene in emergencies 187 9.2 International treaties, the Millennium Development Goals, legislation and policies 304 T6.1 Checklists and other tools 190 9.3 Advocacy on menstrual hygiene 305 T6.2 Technical designs and specifications 318 T6.3 Case studies, examples and further information 321 T6.4 Bibliography Toolkits 323 Toolkit 7 Supporting women and girls in 201 Toolkit 1 Menstrual hygiene – the basics vulnerable, marginalised or special circumstances 202 T1.1 Checklists and other tools 204 T1.2 Technical designs and specifications 324 T7.1 Checklists and other tools 211 T1.3 Case studies, examples and further 325 T7.2 Technical designs and specifications information 328 T7.3 Case studies, examples and further 237 T1.4 Bibliography information 333 T7.4 Bibliography 241 Toolkit 2 Menstrual hygiene – getting started 335 Toolkit 8 Menstrual hygiene in the workplace 242 T2.1 Checklists and other tools 242 T2.2 Technical designs and specifications 336 T8.1 Checklists and other tools 243 T2.3 Case studies, examples and further 337 T8.2 Technical designs and specifications information 337 T8.3 Case studies, examples and further 248 T2.4 Bibliography information 337 T8.4 Bibliography 249 Toolkit 3 Menstrual hygiene – sanitary protection materials and disposal 339 Toolkit 9 Research, monitoring and advocacy 250 T3.1 Checklists and other tools 340 T9.1 Checklists and other tools 251 T3.2 Technical designs and specifications 349 T9.2 Technical designs and specifications 270 T3.3 Case studies, examples and further 349 T9.3 Case studies, examples and further information information 278 T3.4 Bibliography 351 T9.4 Bibliography 281 Toolkit 4 Working with communities on menstrual hygiene 282 T4.1 Checklists and other tools 282 T4.2 Technical designs and specifications 283 T4.3 Case studies, examples and further information 284 T4.4 Bibliography p.7 Menstrual hygiene matters “I didn’t know “I am always what was happening [at changing my soiled menarche] or what to do to “During winter napkin at interval of eight to manage menstruation. I used cotton it is very difficult, we ten hours as there are hardly any wool, pages from an exercise book, have to sleep alone [during facilities available to change my leaves from trees. I suffered much menstruation], and there is not pads and it is embarrassing to ask embarrassment at school because I enough warm clothes at night. anyone to use their bathroom for leaked and stained my uniform.” Many times I have to ask father said purpose.” Woman with a physical impairment for [a] quilt.” Female NGO field worker from Tanzania1 Girl from Nepal2 from India3 “We believe that it is important to tell our daughters about menstruation “We are eager to but we don’t know much.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • SANITATION by COMPOSTING Sanitation Developed in Post-Earthquake Haiti in 2010 and 2011 by Givelove.Org
    SANITATION BY COMPOSTING Sanitation developed in post-earthquake Haiti in 2010 and 2011 by GiveLove.org. An abbreviated version of this paper was submitted to the International Perspectives on Water and the Environment 2012 Conference in Marrakesh, Morocco. Joseph Jenkins, September 20, 2011 President, Joseph Jenkins, Inc., 143 Forest Lane, Grove City, PA 16127 USA [email protected]; CompostSanitation.com ABSTRACT: Compost toilets can take many forms. One such toilet, the “humanure” toilet, is designed to simply collect and re- cycle human excreta, which includes fecal material, urine and toilet paper, along with a carbon-based cover material, via an odor-free, heat-producing organic mass. The organic compost mass is created away from the toilet in a separate compost bin, not in the toilet itself. The thermophilic and aging phases in the compost bin render the organic material hygienically safe by destroying pathogenic organisms. The final product, humus, is excellent for growing food. Because the toilets themselves are not utilized either for the composting process or for storage of toilet material, they are inexpensive and simple in design and implementation. They recycle organic materials and do not produce or dispose of waste. They create no environmental pollution when properly managed. They require no piped water, no electricity, no venting, no hole in the ground and no drain. When managed correctly, they do not breed flies or produce unpleasant odors and can therefore be located indoors, even in intimate settings. They can
    [Show full text]
  • Leave No Trace Outdoor Skills & Ethics
    ISLE ROYALE NATIONAL PARK Leave No Trace Outdoor Skills & Ethics Leave No Trace Outdoor Skills and Ethics ISLE ROYALE NATIONAL PARK Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics November, 2004 Leave No Trace — Isle Royale National Park Skills & Ethics 1 Wildland Ethics "Ethical and moral questions and how we answer them may determine whether primal scenes will continue to be a source of joy and comfort to future generations. The decisions are ours and we have to search our minds and souls for the right answers..." "The real significance of wilderness is a cultural matter. It is far more than hunting, fishing, hiking, camping or canoeing; it has to do with the human spirit." —Sigurd F. Olson ...and so we visit wild places to discover ourselves, to let our spirits run with the graceful canoe and journey through the beckoning forests. The wilderness is good for us. It enables us to discover who we really are, and to explore who we are really meant to be. It is the nature of wild places that gives us the space to slow the pace of our lives, to becalm the storms of everyday life, to gain perspective on the things we truly value. Sigurd Olson needed wild places...they gave much to him, as they do to us—and, so, we should be eager to give back. Our favorite places— those whose forests have welcomed us, whose lakes have refreshed us, whose sunsets have inspired awe—are not ours alone. They are a treasured resource, there for the good of all who seek their own true spirit through solitude and adventure.
    [Show full text]
  • “Manual Scavenging: Worst Surviving Symbol of Untouchability” Rohini Dahiya1 Department of Political Science, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar Central University, Lucknow
    Volume 10, May 2020 ISSN 2581-5504 “Manual Scavenging: Worst Surviving Symbol of Untouchability” Rohini Dahiya1 Department of Political Science, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar Central University, Lucknow “For them I am a sweeper, sweeper- untouchable! Untouchable! Untouchable! That’s the word! Untouchable! I am an Untouchable – Mulk Raj Anand, Untouchable (1935) Mulk Raj Anand while writing his book more than 80 years ago criticised the rigidity of the caste system and its ancient taboo on contamination. Focalising the six thousand years of racial and class superiority and predicament of untouchability with a desire to carry the perpetual discrimination faced by people living in the periphery out in the larger world. The hope with which the author, who was a key founder of the All-India Progressive writer’s movement wrote this breakthrough 1935 novel, still largely remains a hope, as the practices of manually cleaning excrement from private and public dry toilets, open drains, gutters, sewers still persist. Haunting lives of millions in a nation, which since its independence in 1947 adopted legislative and policy efforts to end manual scavenging. The practice of cleaning, carrying and disposing of human excreta from public streets, dry latrines, sceptic tanks and sewers using hand tools such as bucket, groom and shovel, is what is described as manual scavenging by International Labour Organisation which is termed as one of the worst surviving symbols of untouchability. The work of dealing with human excrement manually might seem an anathema to most of the people around the world but it is the only source of livelihood to thousands living in India even today.
    [Show full text]
  • “The Synchronicity of Purifying City and Social Closure”
    “The Synchronicity of Purifying City and Social Closure” Prashant Bansode* © by the author (*)Associate Professor Centre for the Study of Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policy, Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics, Pune INDIA. Fax: (020) 25652579 Tel: (020) 25650287, 25654288/89 Email: [email protected] Paper presented at the RC21 International Conference on “The Ideal City: between myth and reality. Representations, policies, contradictions and challenges for tomorrow's urban life” Urbino (Italy) 27-29 August 2015. http://www.rc21.org/en/conferences/urbino2015/ Introduction The cleaning—purifying—of cities involves two important activities related to disposal of waste i.e. solid and human waste. These tasks are important from the view point of sanitation and public health in the cities. If this tasks are not performed well then it would lead to chaos in terms of serious implication on health of the citizens. Often in the past there were epidemic due to unhygienic conditions. In cities it is quiet common that water and some air borne diseases are due to poor hygiene. The local bodies that are involved in providing proper sanitation in cities often fail due to lack of proper urban planning, inadequacy of services and lack of funds. Especially in Indian cities the ratio of population to persons involved in sanitation is very disproportionate. The lack of civic sense amongst citizens and their own perceptions of waste and management of waste complicate matter to worst. Therefore, the heavy onus of cleaning—purifying— cities so as to have proper hygiene conditions is on those who are involved in disposal of solid and human waste.
    [Show full text]
  • Humanure Sanitation the “No Waste, No Pollution, Nothing to Dispose Of” Toilet System
    Humanure Sanitation The “no waste, no pollution, nothing to dispose of” toilet system. Author: Joseph Jenkins, Joseph Jenkins, Inc., 143 Forest Lane, Grove City, PA 16127 USA; [email protected]; http://www.humanurehandbook.com ABSTRACT: Humanure toilets are designed to collect human excreta, including fecal material and urine together without separation, along with a carbon (plant cellulose-based) cover material, for the purpose of achieving an odor-free thermophilic (heat-producing) organic mass. The thermophilic phase renders the organic material hygienically safe by destroying pathogenic organisms, thereby creating a final product, humus, which is suitable for growing food. These toilets are inexpensive and very simple in design and implementation. They do not produce or dispose of waste and they create no environmental pollution. This study looks at various humanure systems in the United States. KEYWORDS: compost toilet, humanure, Joseph Jenkins, sanitation, thermophilic Introduction: What is "Humanure Sanitation"? The humanure sanitation system is a compost toilet system designed and intended to promote the thermophilic composting of human excrement. Human excreta, including fecal material and urine, are not considered waste materials that need to be disposed of. Instead, they are considered resource materials that must be recycled and reclaimed for reuse. When properly used and managed, a humanure toilet system requires virtually no water, produces no waste, creates no environmental pollution, attracts no flies, costs very little, requires no urine diversion, and produces no odor. Instead of waste, the toilet produces humus, a valuable resource that can safely grow food for human beings. It can be constructed for very little money or no money at all if recycled materials are used.
    [Show full text]
  • Menstrual Hygiene in South Asia a Neglected Issue for WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) Programmes
    Report Menstrual hygiene in South Asia A neglected issue for WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) programmes A WaterAid report Written by: Thérèse Mahon and Maria Fernandes Front cover image: WaterAid/Marco Betti “I enjoy coming to school now. I felt odd to come earlier because of the toilet problems; I felt embarrassed.” Hari Kala Acharya, 14, Pokhara, Nepal. Menstrual hygiene in South Asia A neglected issue for WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) programmes In total, women spend around six to seven years of their lives menstruating. A key priority for women and girls is to have the necessary knowledge, facilities and cultural environment to manage menstruation hygienically, and with dignity. Yet the importance of menstrual hygiene management is mostly neglected by development practitioners within the WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) sector, and other related sectors such as reproductive health. This article explores the reasons why menstrual hygiene management is not generally included in WASH initiatives, the social and health impacts of this neglect on women and girls, and provides examples of successful approaches to tackling menstrual hygiene in WASH in the South Asia region. Key words: gender, water, sanitation, hygiene, menstrual hygiene, South Asia The WASH sector and development Having access to sufficient quantities of safe water, access to a private and clean place to defecate, living in an environment free from human excreta and other harmful waste, and being able to behave hygienically, are basic requirements essential
    [Show full text]
  • 2 Nd AQAR 2017-18
    Contents Sl. No. Particulars Page No. Part A 01 Details of Institution 01-06 Part B 02 Criterion I 07-08 03 Criterion II 09-11 04 Criterion III 12-15 05 Criterion IV 16-18 06 Criterion V 19-21 07 Criterion VI 22-26 08 Criterion VII 27-28 Annexure 09 Annexure 1: 29-37 Academic Calendar of events for the academic year 2017-18 10 Annexure 2: 38 Feedback Analysis 11 Annexure 3: 39-41 Two Best Practices of Institution 12 Annexure 4: 42-78 Curricular and Extracurricular events conducted during academic year 2017-18 Annual Quality Assurance Report (AQAR) of the IQAC Part – A 1. Details of the Institution 1.1 Name of the Institution SJM College of Pharmacy 1.2 Address Line 1 SJM Campus, NH-4 Bye Pass Pune - Bengaluru Highway Address Line 2 Chitradurga City/Town Karnataka State Pin Code 577502 [email protected] Institution e-mail address Contact Nos. 08194-223231 Dr. Bharathi D.R. Name of the Head of the Institution: Tel. No. with STD Code: 08194-223231 Mobile: 9972133455 Dr. M. Mumtaz Mohammed Hussain Name of the IQAC Co-ordinator: SJM College of Pharmacy, Chitradurga – AQAR 2017-18 Page 1 Mobile: 9916276100 [email protected] IQAC e-mail address: 1.3 NAAC Track ID (For ex. MHCOGN 18879) KACOGN24614 1.4 NAAC Executive Committee No. & Date: EC(SC)/18/A&A/22.1 (For Example EC/32/A&A/143 dated 3-5-2004. This EC no. is available in the right corner- bottom of your institution’s Accreditation Certificate) www.sjmcp.org 1.5 Website address: Web-link of the AQAR: http://www.sjmcp.org/aqar/2017 - 18.pdf 1.6 Accreditation Details Year of Validity Sl.
    [Show full text]
  • The Hidden World of Sanitation Workers
    The hidden world of sanitation workers Media briefing WaterAid/CS Sharada Prasad/Safai Prasad/Safai Sharada WaterAid/CS Karmachari Kavalu Samiti WaterAid/CS Sharada Prasad/Safai Karmachari Kavalu Samiti Prasad/Safai Sharada WaterAid/CS Every year, the human race produces over 350 which aims to bring clean water and sustainable include decent working conditions for the Introduction million tonnes of poo – that’s enough to fill sanitation to everyone, everywhere by 2030. workers on the frontline who make sure our 140,000 Olympic swimming pools!i1 Unless that For the SDGs that we have data for, it is evident sanitation services continue to function. Without human waste is properly dealt with, every single that the goal for safely managed sanitation is one safely managed sanitation for all, we will never gram will pose a significant health risk to us and that is furthest behind. If we continue at current end extreme poverty. our planet. rates of progress, in some countries we will not bring safely managed sanitation to everyone Ensuring that our contact with human waste for centuries. ends when we leave the toilet is one of the most important jobs in society, and yet around the We will need many more sanitation workers Olivier Batoro, 37, a manual pit emptier, has world sanitation workers remain mostly unseen around the world if we are to achieve these just come out of the pit and is suffering from and unappreciated. To mark World Toilet Day ambitious targets, but their health and the dizziness, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, July 2019. and this year’s theme of ‘Leaving no one behind’,2 quality of their lives are rarely considered.
    [Show full text]
  • Global Review of Sanitation System Trends and Interactions with Menstrual Management Practices
    SEI - Africa Institute of Resource Assessment University of Dar es Salaam P. O. Box 35097, Dar es Salaam Tanzania Tel: +255-(0)766079061 SEI - Asia 15th Floor, Witthyakit Building 254 Chulalongkorn University Chulalongkorn Soi 64 Phyathai Road, Pathumwan Bangkok 10330 Thailand Tel+(66) 22514415 Stockholm Environment Institute, Project Report - 2011 SEI - Oxford Suite 193 266 Banbury Road, Oxford, OX2 7DL UK Tel+44 1865 426316 SEI - Stockholm Kräftriket 2B SE -106 91 Stockholm Sweden Tel+46 8 674 7070 SEI - Tallinn Lai 34, Box 160 EE-10502, Tallinn Estonia Tel+372 6 276 100 SEI - U.S. 11 Curtis Avenue Somerville, MA 02144 USA Tel+1 617 627-3786 SEI - York University of York Heslington York YO10 5DD UK Tel+44 1904 43 2897 The Stockholm Environment Institute Global Review of Sanitation System Trends and SEI is an independent, international research institute.It has been engaged in environment and development issuesat local, national, Interactions with Menstrual Management Practices regional and global policy levels for more than a quarterofacentury. SEI supports decision making for sustainable development by Report for the Menstrual Management and Sanitation Systems Project bridging science and policy. Marianne Kjellén, Chibesa Pensulo, Petter Nordqvist and Madeleine Fogde sei-international.org Global Review of Sanitation System Trends and Interactions with Menstrual Management Practices Report for the Menstrual Management and Sanitation Systems Project Marianne Kjellén, Chibesa Pensulo, Petter Nordqvist and Madeleine Fogde Stockholm Environment Institute Kräftriket 2B 106 91 Stockholm Sweden Tel: +46 8 674 7070 Fax: +46 8 674 7020 Web: www.sei-international.org Director of Communications: Robert Watt Publications Manager: Erik Willis Layout: Alison Dyke Cover Photo: © Joachim Huber This publication may be reproduced in whole or in part and in any form for educational or non-profit purposes, without special per- mission from the copyright holder(s) provided acknowledgement of the source is made.
    [Show full text]
  • National Coordinators Report
    NATIONAL COORDINATORS REPORT Highlights • 2015 z About WSSCC WSSCC is at the heart of the global movement to improve sanitation and hygiene, so that all people can enjoy healthy and productive lives. Established in 1990, WSSCC is the only United Nations body devoted solely to the sanitation needs of the most vulnerable and marginalized people. In collaboration with our members in 150 countries, WSSCC advocates for the bil- lions of people worldwide who lack access to good sanitation, shares solutions that empow- er communities, and operates the GSF, which since 2008 has committed over $109 million to transform lives in developing countries. Acknowledgements WSSCC expresses its deep appreciation to the 16 National Coordinators who inspired this publication. Not only are they proud represen- tatives of WSSCC in their home countries, they are an integral part of WSSCC’s global commu- nity. The publication’s key contributors were: Primary writing/compilation Elizabeth Wamera Content development and review WSSCC National Coordinators Saskia Castelein Ceridwen Johnson David Matthews David Trouba Chris Williams Production, design and printing Stéphanie Gomez de la Torre Eileen Palmer Imprimerie Nouvelle GONNET Global Handwashing day commemoration 2015 in Kenya. ©WSSCC/Tobias Omufwoko. Front cover: Elected district mayors in Atsimo atsinanana region of Madagascar raise their hands to declare their commitment to ending open defecation after participating in a group training. ©WSSCC/Dera Akitramiranty Back cover: Celebrating Global Handwashing Day 2015 in Kenya. ©WSSCC/Tobias Omukwoko. TABLE OF CONTENTS FOREWORD 02 SUMMARY ANALYSIS 03 NATIONAL COORDINATORS 05 BANGLADESH 06 BENIN 07 CAMBODIA 08 ETHIOPIA 09 INDIA 10 KENYA 11 MADAGASCAR 12 MALAWI 13 NEPAL 14 NIGER 15 NIGERIA 16 PAKISTAN 17 TANZANIA 18 TOGO 19 UGANDA 20 ZIMBABWE 21 COUNTRY ENGAGEMENT WORKSHOPS 22 CONCLUSION 24 2 NATIONAL COORDINATORS REPORT FOREWORD Chris Williams PhD EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, WSSCC It gives me great pleasure to launch a publica- Johannesburg, South Africa.
    [Show full text]
  • FLOW (Finding Lasting Options for Women) Multicentre Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Tampons with Menstrual Cups
    Research | Web exclusive FLOW (finding lasting options for women) Multicentre randomized controlled trial comparing tampons with menstrual cups Courtney Howard MD CCFP(EM) Caren Lee Rose MSc Konia Trouton MD CCFP MPH Holly Stamm MD CCFP Danielle Marentette MD CCFP Nicole Kirkpatrick MD CCFP(EM) Sanja Karalic MD CCFP MSc Renee Fernandez MD CCFP Julie Paget MD CCFP Abstract Objective To determine whether menstrual cups are a viable alternative to tampons. Design Randomized controlled trial. EDITOR’S KEY POINTS Setting Prince George, Victoria, and Vancouver, BC. • Patients are increasingly asking physicians about more environmentally friendly Participants A total of 110 women aged 19 to 40 years who had previously alternatives to disposable menstrual used tampons as their main method of menstrual management. management products, particularly menstrual cups, and about their Intervention Participants were randomized into 2 groups, a tampon group effectiveness compared with tampons. and a menstrual cup group. Using online diaries, participants tracked 1 Although the safety and efficacy of menstrual cycle using their regular method and 3 menstrual cycles using menstrual cups have been studied the method of their allocated group. previously, a randomized controlled trial comparing cups with tampons has never Main outcome measures Overall satisfaction; secondary outcomes been done. included discomfort, urovaginal infection, cost, and waste. • This study compared the experiences of Results Forty-seven women in each group completed the final survey, 5 of women using only tampons with women whom were subsequently excluded from analysis (3 from the tampon group using only menstrual cups over a period and 2 from the menstrual cup group).
    [Show full text]
  • WASH MHM Resource Guide 2015.Pdf
    Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene and Menstrual Hygiene Management: A Resource Guide WASH Advocates December 2015 Water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) play a large role in the lives of adolescent girls and women, both biologically and culturally. Gender equity becomes an issue when women and girls lack access to WASH facilities and appropriate hygiene education, affecting a girl’s education, sexual and reproductive health, and dignity. Lack of adequate facilities and materials for menstrual hygiene has been linked to absenteeism of girls from school during their periods.1 Many may permanently drop out of school with the onset of puberty if the toilet facilities are not clean or do not provide privacy to girls while they are menstruating.2 Menstruation is a taboo subject in many cultures and can create stigma, shame, and silence among young girls, which often continues into adulthood and perpetuates the cycle of gender inequality. Around the world, girls try to keep their menstruation a secret while they are in school. Without adequate sanitation facilities, girls are unable to manage their menstruation safely, hygienically, and with dignity and will be unlikely to use the facilities if there is no guarantee to privacy. Due to social and WASH-related issues, many girls choose to stay home during their menstruation instead of having to manage their period at school.3 Other times, girls do attend school but face challenges such as leakage, odor, discomfort, or difficulty concentrating. When child-friendly educational programs that raise awareness about menstrual hygiene management (MHM) are coupled with safe, private, and single-gender sanitation facilities; an accessible water supply; and a means for safe disposal of menstrual waste, they can help alleviate the burden girls face at school during menstruation.4 Access to these facilities at home and at health clinics is also important to allow women and girls a safe means to manage their menstruation at all times.
    [Show full text]