Training Manual for Teachers and other Stakeholders on Menstrual Health Management.

Abstract

Globally, approximately 52% of the female population which constitutes 26% of the total population, is of reproductive age (House, et al 2012). Most of these women and girls menstruate each month between two and seven days. The onset of menstruation in a girl marks the start of her reproductive life. The menstrual period is a natural phenomenon that occurs throughout the reproductive life of every female. Despite the fact that menstruation is a normal physiological process, it is not often discussed openly especially in the rural areas (Harshat et al, 2014). Many young girls receive minimal guidance on what menstruation is and how it can be managed. This experience has been described as frightening, confusing and shame-inducing (New York Academy of Science, 2008). There are varying cultural practices on Menstrual Health management such as girls’ confinement indoor or to a shade, isolation from public spaces, and sometimes considered unclean. The onset of menstruation with its associated physical developments, hygienic requirements and increased social pressure to move into adulthood, has negative implications on school attendance, academic performance and self- esteem of young girls. Uganda is one of the countries in sub-Saharan Africa where Menstrual Health Management is still a challenge for adolescent girls and women. A study by International Water and Sanitation Centre (IRC, 2013) established that about half of the adolescent girls miss 1-3 days of school per month. This translates into a loss of 8-24 school days per year which implies 11% of school days lost. In response, the Ministry of Education and Sports in 2013 developed a Reader for Learners on Understanding and Managing Menstruation which has been disseminated to a number of schools for training of the girls, boys, Senior Women and Men Teachers. Menstrual Health Management has gained interest among policy makers in Uganda. In 2015, the Ministry of Education and Sport (MoES) issued a circular on management of Menstrual Health to all schools and institutions. The Ministry of Education and Sports, together with Members of Parliament, Government Agencies, Development Partners and Civil Society Organizations have signed a charter committing to support Menstrual Health in Uganda. Specifically, the partners committed to empowering girls with knowledge and skills to manage menstruation and associated challenges. In addition, empower teachers, parents and management to deliver on their responsibilities in supporting girls’ education by ensuring availability of gender responsive sanitation and hygiene facilities. The development of this Menstrual Health Management training manual for teachers and other stake holders will support in enhancing the knowledge and skills of teachers and other stake holders to ably support adolescent girls to manage menstruation.