Menstrual material maintenance, disposal, and laundering challenges among displaced girls and women in Northeast Nigeria

Abstract

Displaced girls and women face a range of gendered challenges living in humanitarian contexts, including issues related to managing their menstruation safely, privately, and with dignity. Specific barriers identified across contexts include a lack of access to menstrual materials and supplies, safe and private toilets, and menstrual health information. Despite growing efforts by humanitarian organizations to address the menstruation-related needs of displaced populations, key aspects related to the maintenance of menstrual materials, including disposal and laundering, continue to be overlooked. This qualitative assessment was conducted in Northeast Nigeria with female Internally Displaced Persons aged 15–49 years (n = 70) and humanitarian response staff (n = 11). Findings indicate inconsistent access to menstrual materials and supplies, including items required for the routine cleaning of reusable menstrual materials. Additionally, many respondents highlighted insufficient access to menstruation-supportive toilets, including a lack of disposal options and poor lighting. Challenges with being able to discreetly launder reusable menstrual materials was problematic, leading some to adopt coping strategies such as constructing makeshift washrooms. Moving forward, more attention should be directed towards ensuring that the full spectrum of menstrual-related needs of girls and women are addressed, including improved water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facility design and programming that considers the practical implications of menstrual material maintenance. HIGHLIGHTS Menstruation programming often overlooks the practical tasks related to the maintenance of menstrual materials, including disposal and laundering.; Displaced girls and women experience inconsistent access to menstrual maintenance supplies like soap and water.; Insufficient menstruation-supportive toilets may lack gender segregation, lighting, and disposal options, which can cause anxiety and discomfort for users.;

Keywords

• humanitarian emergencies
• menstrual hygiene management
• water
• sanitation
• and hygiene (wash)