By Yaqoob Masih | Project Leader
1. Executive Summary
This report presents the goals, activities, outcomes, challenges, and future recommendations of Joy Foundation Pakistan’s initiative, “Supporting Girls for Menstrual Health.” The project addresses menstrual health as a critical issue affecting girls’ dignity, education, and overall well-being.
Through a combination of education, provision of sanitary products, infrastructure improvements, and community engagement, the program aims to reduce the cultural, economic, and informational barriers that limit girls’ ability to manage menstruation safely, confidently, and with dignity.
2. Background and Rationale
Prevalence of Poor Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM)
Many girls and women in Pakistan lack access to essential hygiene products, clean water, and private, safe sanitation facilities. These gaps significantly affect their health, comfort, and participation in daily life.
Knowledge Gaps and Social Stigma
A large number of adolescent girls have little or no knowledge about menstruation before their first period. Information is often passed informally through mothers or female relatives, while formal education systems and school curricula inadequately address menstrual health. Social taboos, myths, and silence around menstruation remain widespread.
Impact on Education and School Attendance
Absenteeism among schoolgirls during menstruation is high. Studies indicate that in some districts, more than half of adolescent girls miss school during their menstrual cycle. Poor sanitation facilities, fear of staining, physical discomfort, and lack of privacy are key contributing factors.
Health Risks
The use of unhygienic materials, improper washing and drying of reusable cloths, and lack of safe menstrual waste disposal can lead to infections such as urinary tract infections and fungal infections, posing both short- and long-term health risks.
Period Poverty and Infrastructure Gaps
Many families cannot afford sanitary pads, and many schools and public facilities lack adequate water supply, toilets, soap, changing spaces, and safe disposal mechanisms. These infrastructure gaps further worsen menstrual health challenges.
3. Project Objectives
The project aims to:
Increase awareness and knowledge among girls (approximately 11–20 years) about menstrual biology, hygiene best practices, and their health rights
Provide access to affordable or free sanitary products, reducing reliance on unhygienic alternatives
Improve sanitation and privacy infrastructure in schools and community centers so girls can manage menstruation safely and with dignity
Engage communities, families, schools, and health professionals to reduce stigma and myths and to foster a supportive environment
Reduce school absenteeism and dropout rates linked to menstrual health challenges
4. Activities Conducted
Below are the main strategies and interventions carried out under the project:
Education and Workshops
Interactive sessions were conducted in schools with adolescent girls, covering menstrual biology, hygiene practices, pain management, and available product options. Educational booklets and visual aids were distributed. Counseling sessions were also provided for girls experiencing specific challenges such as severe pain or heavy bleeding.
Provision of Sanitary Kits
Sanitary pads and reusable pads were distributed to girls who could not afford them. Some hygiene kits also included soap, underwear, and disposal bags to support safe and hygienic menstrual practices.
Infrastructure Improvements
Separate, girl-friendly toilets were constructed or upgraded in selected schools. Facilities were equipped with water supply, lockable doors for privacy, soap, and disposal bins for menstrual waste.
Community and Family Engagement
Awareness sessions were held with parents, teachers, community leaders, and local health workers to address myths and taboos, promote open dialogue, and encourage family and community support for girls’ menstrual health.
By Yaqoob Masih | Project Leader
By Yaqoob Sadiq | Project leader
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