1 Presenter – Zahida Stanekzai –UNICEF Date: 23 Nov -2016Islamic 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 informationFining of KAP study in 2010 MHM Formative Research- 2016 Key finding Determinants Challenges Potential Impact Potential Risk Way forward
3 Background informationChallenge 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 -2010Restrictions 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 2010Menstruation hygiene management/ puberty guideline developed Facility for management of menstruation in privacy
7 MHM Formative Research -2016The 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 FacilitiesSchool 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 SitesThere 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 MenarcheNo 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 shameManaging 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 activitiesPotential Impacts Social Isolation Prefer to be alone Participation in school activities School absenteeism
15 Potential Risks 1. Health Consequences Infection Infertility2. Education consequences School drop out Early marriage
16 Way Foreword Advocacy at high level Capacity developmentCurriculum 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