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| | | Title | EMPOWERING ADOLESCENT GIRLS IN MENSTRUAL HYGIENE MANAGEMENT Interventions and Lessons, Tanzania | | Author | ACBF | | Subject | Health and Women | | Date of Publication | 2017082 | | Publisher | African Community of Practice on Management for Development result at the African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF) | | Number of Pages | 10 pages | | Language | English | | Geographical Coverage | Tanzania | | Keywords | Menstrual hygiene management, Empowering adolescent girls | | Abstract | In recognition of the positive impact on girls’ school attendance and achievement, initiatives around the world are now addressing adolescent girls’ menstrual hygiene management (MHM) through “WinS” programming. Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) in Schools – WinS – fosters social inclusion and individual self-respect. By offering an alternative to the stigma and marginalization associated with hygiene issues, it empowers all students, and encourages girls especially. This case study presents MHM activities undertaken at a project level through a school health promotion intervention of the Health Promotion and System Strengthening Project in empowering adolescent girls in MHM in the Dodoma region, central Tanzania. The objective of the case study is to share the project’s experience and lessons learned, and to highlight the impact in empowering adolescent girls in target schools. Key findings. Effective MHM is essential for women and girls to participate in society with dignity and comfort. Qualitative and quantitative work has suggested that poor MHM results in school absenteeism, distraction, and disengagement. Many female students encounter challenges in managing their menses en route to, and within, the school environment. Key lessons. The combination of adequate facilities, correct behavioral practices, and education is necessary to have a positive impact on the health and hygiene conditions of the community as a whole. The mere provision of facilities does not make them sustainable or capable of producing the desired impact. It is the use of the facilities and related appropriate behaviors that provide benefits for the community. Key recommendations. Standard guidelines for integration of a minimum package for MHM into existing WinS programs should be developed. The guidelines should include policy guidance on implementation, design of facilities, and monitoring and evaluation of the MHM programs. The multisector involvement and coordination in implementing the MHM programs should be advocated and included in all WinS policy guidelines and strategies. MHM is a social issue that cannot be addressed by working in schools alone. | | Copyright Holder | African Community of Practice (AfCoP) | | Copyright URL | http://www.acbf-pact.org | | Filesize | 655244 MB | | File Format | PDF | | [ View / download original document ] |
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