Girls’ and women’s unmet needs for menstrual hygiene management (MHM): the interactions between MHM and sanitation systems in low-income countries
Sommer, M., Kjellén, M., Pensulo, C. (2013)
Published in: 2013
Publisher:
Journal of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for Development, 3(3), 283-297
Author:
Sommer, M., Kjellén, M., Pensulo, C.
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Content - Summary
While the sanitation sector is gaining increased recognition in policy and research, its inherent interlinkage with menstrual hygiene management remains an under-researched subject. This review explores knowledge about menstrual beliefs and behaviors, and how women and girls currently handle their monthly menses in relation to existing sanitation systems in low-income countries. It further explores how used menstrual materials are disposed of, and the consequences of different disposal practices for the functioning of sanitation systems. Conclusions point towards the inadequacy of research in the area of menstrual management. The lack of privacy and space for changing, cleaning, drying or discarding materials, as well as insufficient availability of water for personal hygiene stand out as important areas where sanitation systems often fail to cater to the needs of menstruating girls and women. Information on proper disposal of menstrual materials as well as the actual provision of disposal facilities are important for improving menstrual management and ensuring that absorption materials do not impair the functioning of sanitation systems. Training of sanitation system designers and planners with regard to menstrual management could lead to sanitation systems becoming more inclusive of the full needs of all people.
Additional information
Special permission was granted for a copyright waver so that this pdf file could be placed in the SuSanA library.
Permission granted by Emma Gulseven, Journals Manager (on 16 August 2013)
egulseven@iwap.co.uk
IWA Publishing
Alliance House, 12 Caxton Street
London SW1H 0QS, UK
This pdf file may not be disseminated on another website, e-mailing list or similar without permission from the publisher. It is only allowed to use it for personal viewing/reading of individuals accessing the SuSanA library.
Bibliographic information
Sommer, M., Kjellén, M., Pensulo, C. (2013). Girls’ and women’s unmet needs for menstrual hygiene management (MHM): the interactions between MHM and sanitation systems in low-income countries. Journal of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for Development, 3(3), 283-297
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English Sustainable WASH in institutions and gender equality (WG7)
