THE SECRET WORLD OF MENSTRUAL HYGIENE AND MANAGEMENT Mita Gupta, Gender and Rights Unit, UNICEF HQ Social Norms Course, UNICEF/Penn 12 June 2012
The issue of ‘hardware’ Lack of access Not affordable No doors, close to boys’ toilets – lack privacy No means for disposal No water source within or nearby Toilets Sanitary Napkins
Factual and normative beliefs about menstruation Menstrual blood is dangerous Menstrual blood is dirty Impurity Religious beliefs Silence, secrecy
The social norm of silence, secrecy “That’s how it has always been” “It is normally kept secret, you would not allow the other people to know this.” Empirical expectation Societal expectation to keep this hidden Sanction: shame, embarrassment, disapproval, teasing Normative expectation
Why does it matter? Infections Shame in seeking medical attention Health consequences Absence from school Reluctance to participate Inability to concentrate Education impacts
Char Bramagacha Village Community worker Set up hygiene education groups Approached women, men and a teacher of a non-formal school Spoke with girls about menstrual hygiene and management Also spoke with men and boys
Key elements Entry point – talking about hygiene issues in general Not just girls, but reference group Making the private public Spontaneous diffusion Shift in empirical expectations; erosion of normative expectations
Some points to consider Discussions with parents as key members of the reference group Separate discussions with girls, boys, parents, teachers and then bring together common knowledge Re-enactment of what girls face – teasing, bullying making the private public Commitment from schools to continue talking about puberty, reproductive health (incl. female teachers/mentors) sustainability
Some points to consider Link to facilities/ ‘hardware’ Link with CLTS efforts – ensure consideration of needs of girls/women in terms of toilets Speak with women’s groups, tailors, local manufacturers about local, low-cost options