Ngabaghila Chatata National Coordinator WES Network

Over View Background information WHY Menstrual Hygiene management should be prioritised Menstrual Hygiene Management as a girls childs issue What Should be done Conclusion

Background information Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) remains a key factor affecting Women/girls advancement It essentially Touches on their ability to participate in development, their Sexual and reproductive health, and confidence levels Studies indicate that Menstrual Hygiene Management although critical for the women remains a stick issue

WHY Menstrual Hygiene management should be prioritised In Malawi there has been minimal efforts to improve the situation for women and girls as far as Menstrual Hygiene Management is concerned, being it within the private and public spaces. Open discussion of Menstrual Hygiene Management remains unpopular, with most people considering it as a taboo Its and Issue affecting a vulnerable group, thus making them even more vulnerable! It impedes on Women and girls right to educations and Sexual reproductive Health

Menstrual Hygiene Management as a girls childs issue More Often than not there is minimal support from the family environment to prepare the girl child for the challenge. The responsibility is pushed to the Aunts and other elders. While at school, the girl child mostly has to figure it out by herself. There is no-one to take them through the process step by step.

Menstrual Hygiene Management as a girls childs issue She is confronted by boys who are keen to embarrass her when things go wrong The facilities are not accommodative of her needs i.e. Supply of sanitary pads, disposal bins, privacy etc. All this impedes on her performance and interest in education

Menstrual Hygiene Management as a girls childs issue There is minimal/no deliberate effort to furnish her with information The moral support from fellow girls is not sufficient

What Should be done Its is clear that more work need to be done including: – Research that will facilitate information generation on the status on the ground – Programmes targeting improving the community and school environment – Policies that touch on the provision of facilities within – Forums should be created at different levels to discuss the issues and find practical solution

Conclusion We need Passionate leaders, who are going to popularise this issue of Menstrual Hygiene Management, and ensure its finds its way into the policy documents and well as the sector plans and indeed tangible programme on the ground.

Thank You !