Menstrual hygiene : a neglected condition for the achievement of several Millennium Development Goals

The relationship between culture and menstruation is expressed in many ways. A variety of menstrual-related traditions exists. And although there are differences by country, culture, ethnic group, social class or family, gender discrimination has its effect on issues concerning reproductive health, the reproductive system, its functions and its processes. Most striking is the restricted control, which many women and girls have over their own mobility and behaviour during menstruation due to their ‘impurity’, let alone the myths, misconceptions, superstitions and cultural and/or religious taboos concerning menstrual blood and menstrual hygiene. A particular problem is menstruation and participation in the higher forms of primary (grade 4 & 5) and secondary school. Sanitary facilities and waste management at schools, including the hygienic disposal of sanitary napkins and other protection alternatives, are often so poor that girls and female teachers prefer not to use these during their menstruation period. This often results in missed classes and prolonged absences.
The issue of menstrual hygiene has the growing attention of women in developing countries; this applies to both individuals and self–help groups. Menstrual hygiene seems to be an insufficiently acknowledged problem in relation to MDG, especially in official programmes. From research, it becomes clear that the lack of menstrual hygiene in many countries in Africa and Asia is perceived as an urgent problem and that several grass roots initiatives are trying to find a solution. This publication contains practical advice for the development of a multi-sectoral action programme and a substantial number of references.