1. Presenter – Zahida Stanekzai –UNICEF Date: 23 Nov -2016
Islamic Republic of Afghanistan
Afghanistan Conference on Sanitation
2016
Menstrual Hygiene Management -Experiences of Adolescent Girls in Afghanistan
Presenter – Zahida Stanekzai –UNICEF
Date: 23 Nov -2016

2. Presentation content Background information
Fining of KAP study in 2010
MHM Formative Research- 2016
Key finding
Determinants
Challenges
Potential Impact
Potential Risk
Way forward

3. Background information
Challenge of understanding and managing menses.
Discovering blood, feeling an uncomfortable crumping
Finding themselves in need
Cultural taboos and secrecy
More the half of the schools lack facilities for girls and female teacher.
lack of facility for disposal of used sanitary materials or pieces of clothes

4. Continue
3.5 million children, the majority of which are girls, remain out of school
79 % of girls didn’t complete primary education, largely due to cultural barriers, such as early marriage and a lack of female teachers.

5. Mensuration hygiene management KAP-Study -2010
Restrictions imposed on girls during menstruation
80% do not play sports, do not eat certain foods such as sour foods, vegetables, and also not take shower up to end of menstruation
30% girls stay at home in the menaces days
Source: UNICEF –MHH KAP survey report 2010

6. Recommendation of KAP study 2010
Menstruation hygiene management/ puberty guideline developed
Facility for management of menstruation in privacy

7. MHM Formative Research -2016
The formative research conducted in Aug to find the Knowledge, Perceptions, and Experiences of Adolescent Girls
The MHM research identified the determinants, challenges , risk and impact of MHM in girls life

8. Functionality of WASH Facilities
School latrines lack privacy, running water and cleaning materials (toilet papers and soap).

9. Conditions Latrines
I do not use the school latrines because of the poor conditions and maintenance. I live near-by school and often goes home to use the latrine at home. This wasn’t the case for other teachers, particularly those who do not live in proximity to schools.” -KII Teacher-

10. Continue Availability of Disposal Sites
There is no proper place for girls to change and dispose of their used napkins

11. Continue
Water is often located far away from the toilet, making it impossible for girls to privately wash before rejoining their classmates

12. Continue….. Knowledge of Menstruation before Menarche
No structured content present in the school curricula
Teachers avoid to talk as the topic is sensitive and linked with shame and taboos
Visit clinic gynecologist doctor
Cultural Beliefs and Practices

13. Challenges Coping with stress Overcoming shame
Managing daily school activities despite of discomfort
Communicating menstrual issues and seeking right guidance in this matter
Limiting from socialization
Access, management and disposal of sanitary waste

14. Participation in school activities
Potential Impacts
Social Isolation
Prefer to be alone
Participation in school activities
School absenteeism

15. Potential Risks 1. Health Consequences Infection Infertility
2. Education consequences
School drop out
Early marriage

16. Way Foreword Advocacy at high level Capacity development
Curriculum revision
Dissemination Workshops
Coordination at all level ( preventing early marriage, avoid school drop out, promote health )
Prioritization
Provision sufficient water, sanitation and hygiene facilities in school.

17. Thanks Questions /comments