| dc.description.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. | en_US |
