Menstrual Hygiene Management in Schools in South Asia - Synthesis Report

There is increasing recognition that menstrual hygiene management (MHM) is a multi-sectoral issue that requires integrated action, particularly from the education, health and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) sectors.

Numerous studies have shown that the lack of MHM-friendly facilities and support for schoolgirls and female teachers is a barrier to their full participation in school and thus to quality education.

The South Asian Conference on Sanitation (SACOSAN) and WASH in Schools International Learning Exchange (WinS-ILE) platforms have played a significant role in mobilising action on this critical issue. UNICEF and WaterAid are among the organisations that have incorporated menstrual hygiene (MH) and MHM into WinS programmes in order to help girls and women overcome stigma and marginalisation.

These reports detail the status of MHM in schools in South Asia. They identify progress and gaps in achieving sustainable and inclusive MHM services at scale, and draw together opportunities for further promoting and mainstreaming MHM in schools across South Asia.