A displaced girl’s dilemma

In most underprivileged communities and internally displaced persons (IDP) camps, securing food, shelter, and clothes is the priority for most families. One of the unaddressed health and hygiene concerns faced by vulnerable girls and women in IDP camps is menstrual hygiene management (MHM). This regular monthly occurrence is upsetting for the hundreds of women and girls in IDP camps.

The women and girls frequently struggle with a lack of access to menstrual hygiene products or, if they are accessible, the high cost of the sanitary pad prevents them from being purchased because of their economic limitations. Due to menstrual stigma and poverty, the women and girls in the IDP camps frequently utilize unclean alternatives, like dry leaves and old garments, thereby increasing their risk of infection.

Several cultures still view menstrual hygiene as taboo, and access to sufficient facilities is often made more difficult by a lack of understanding and misconceptions. Hence, hidden beneath the outward appearance of allegedly cheery females going about their everyday lives are the multiple problems associated with menstruation and personal hygiene.

Recognizing the effects on girls' education, FAME Foundation, under its PLAY it DREAM it initiative, conducted Menstrual Health and Personal Hygiene workshops in partnership with French government, through Agence française de développement (AFD) and the Global Sports Mentoring Program, for 400 girls. The first was at an IDP camp and the latter at a primary school within an unprivileged community.

During the workshops, participants were educated on misconceptions associated with menstruation and the negative health effects that bad menstruation practices can have, and were encouraged to be open by asking questions when they are in doubt. They were also carried through an interactive session on understanding and calculating their menstrual cycle, alongside a practical illustration of proper usage and disposal of various sanitary products.

Attendees of both workshops were taught how to make reusable pads and received starter packs, which will enable them to make more from the comfort of their homes. With the accessibility of reusable sanitary pads and increased awareness about menstrual hygiene, girls can take action and contribute to their communities.

75% of the 400 girls have gained knowledge on menstrual hygiene management, overcome period poverty, practicing good menstrual hygiene, and attending school, whether or not they are on their period.

This improved menstrual hygiene has also encouraged the boys and men in the community to be more supportive of their wives and daughters during menstruation.

Promoting menstrual health and cleanliness is a crucial step in protecting women's self-worth, privacy, and fundamental rights. Understanding menstrual health and personal hygiene helps create a non-discriminatory and gender-neutral atmosphere where women and girls’ perspectives are heard, girls have choices about their futures and are open to more opportunities.