Identifying the root causes of poorly maintained WASH infrastructure, and understanding the deeply embedded socio-cultural values around menstrual hygiene management that need to be addressed in order to provide truly supportive school environments for menstruating girls.
September 26th, 2019Volume 76, October 2019, Pages 152-161
“How can we leave the traditions of our Baab Daada” socio-cultural structures and values driving menstrual hygiene management challenges in schools in Pakistan
“……Three key themes emerged from our data: (1) a poorly maintained, girls-unfriendly School WASH infrastructure was a result of gender-insensitive design, a cultural devaluation of toilet cleaners and inadequate governing practices; (2) the design of WASH facilities did not align with traditionally-determined modes of disposal of rag-pads, the most common used absorbents; (3) traditional menstrual management practices situate girls in an ‘alternate space’ characterised by withdrawal from many daily routines. These three socio-culturally determined practices interacted in a complex manner, often leading to interrupted class engagement and attendance……”