Plan
In Pakistan, an Oxfam Project Manager reported how “during post-distribution monitoring visits women informed us that the white colour and thin fabric [of the cloth provided] is not appropriate for sanitary purposes and they were using this cloth for covering water pots or dusting. Thick, coloured fabric was suggested and the women then received this.”88 Then there is the issue of privacy, particularly important for adolescent girls who may be ashamed about people knowing when they have their periods. Changing and bathing in private are difficult when access to water, toilets and bathing areas are minimal and shared by the community. In India, this adolescent girl from Nagapattinam reflected that after the tsunami: “There is no privacy for girls [for sanitation purposes]. it is very difficult during periods. We wash our menstrual cloths at night and wake up early to collect them after they have dried.” 89 Shame was a common theme for adolescent girls in research for this report in the Philippines: “i had mine in the camp and all my brothers and sisters were around me when i needed to change. They told their friends and everyone made fun of me, but i couldn’t go to the bathroom because it was full. i was ashamed,” said 15-year-old Rizza. “i was shamed because after the
disaster i couldn’t wash and i had leaks that everyone could see, i already felt sad because our life was gone, but i didn’t know what to do when i was also leaking and couldn’t stop it,” said Mirasol, 16.90
P l a n / P u r Wa n ta
SURvEY findS mEnSTRUAL HYgiEnE noT A PRioRiTY in our survey of humanitarian workers for this report fewer than half the respondents (42.1 per cent) reported that actions were in place to ensure that suitable menstrual hygiene products and facilities are available and accessible for adolescent girls.91 This indicates that menstrual hygiene is not a priority action in water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) responses. However, it is clear from our primary research (with girls themselves) that for them, menstrual hygiene facilities and products are a high priority, particularly for those living in camps.92 The lack of these facilities and services affects their dignity and health and also acts as a barrier to accessing education and this and the associated shame often keeps them confined to the home during menstruation. 56
receiving sanitary towels at school in uganda.