BY DANCAN KEMANGA
Despite adequate menstrual hygiene for adolescent girls in schools being a fundamental human right, school girls still face barriers to safe, hygienic, and dignified menstruation worldwide, due to a lack of proper facilities and support. To effectively manage their menstruation, schoolgirls require access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities, affordable and appropriate menstrual hygiene materials, information on good practices, and supportive environments where they can manage menstruation without embarrassment and stigma.
According to UNICEF 2015, in low-income countries, half of the schools lack adequate water, sanitation, and hygiene services crucial to enable school girls and female teachers to manage menstruation. Inadequate sanitary facilities affect girls’ experiences at school, causing them to miss
classes during their menstruation or even drop out. A study in Kenya shows that 95% of menstruating girls missed one to three school days, 70% reported negative impacts on their grades, and more than 50% stated falling behind in schools because of menstruation. Schools that have female-friendly facilities and incorporate information on menstruation into the curriculum for both girls and boys can reduce stigma and contribute to better education and health outcomes.
To address this issue, schools should ensure the availability of clean and private restroom facilities that are well-equipped with sanitation amenities. Furthermore, access to menstrual products, clean water, soap, and disposal bins for menstrual products and their regular supply, maintenance, and cleanliness are imperative for maintaining hygiene during menstruation. Schools should also consider providing free or subsidized menstrual products such as pads and tampons in restrooms to ensure girls have access to the products they need regardless of their socio-socioeconomic background and reduce absenteeism resulting from lack of sanitary products to create equal grounds for education for both boys and girls.
In addition, teachers ought to receive training on menstruation hygiene and the value of showing empathy and encouragement to teenage school girls. Teachers play a crucial part in establishing the culture and environment of the classroom. Teachers may establish a secure atmosphere where girls feel
comfortable sharing their menstrual needs without fear of stigma or humiliation by encouraging open dialogues and understanding. Teachers who participate in training programs can get the understanding and compassion necessary to react appropriately when girls ask for permission to use the restroom or for other menstrual-related accommodations. In addition to being the primary educators of their children, parents can have a significant impact on girls’ menstrual hygiene. It’s critical that parents have candid conversations with their daughters about menstruation health, beginning at a young age.
Additionally, parents can provide information, guidance, and emotional support to help their daughters navigate menstruation with confidence and dignity. It is imperative for the government through the Ministry of Education and Health, parents, teachers, and civil society organizations to work jointly to provide supportive atmospheres in schools to empower girls to manage their menstruation with confidence and dignity. Through concerted efforts, we can create more inclusive and equitable environments for all students in schools.
Dancan Kemanga is a Youth Advocate at NAYA Kenya
