Attention to the needs of women and girls in WASH: An analysis of WASH policies in selected sub-Saharan African countries

Integration of water and sanitation facilities programs for menstruation management: a focus on university planning and budgeting processes at Kyambogo University, Uganda

“…According to Anbesu and Asgedom (2023) to minimize the risks of adequate sanitation facilities for menstruation management in institutions of learning, it is important to ensure equal women's participation in the water supply and sanitation program planning and local management activities. Alda-Vidal et al ( 2023), Dogoli et al (2023), andTelmo (2002), too, observed that equal participation of stakeholders in planning, budgeting, and implementation of water and sanitation resources management in higher institutions of learning ensures appropriate recording and reporting mechanisms for financing water and sanitation resources development. Uwimana (2014) reported that in Rwanda, there is gender inequality where few women are involved in planning for the emergency management of their society leaving sanitation facilities for menstruation management unplanned for or given a very small budget.…”

“…Menstruation is a normal and common occurrence for women during their reproductive years, and it is accompanied by considerable physiological and mental changes (Dogoli et al, 2023).…”

“…Sanitation facilities for menstruation management in the teaching facilities at the university are commonly used by female students since they spend most of their hours at the university. Menstruation is an integral and normal part of human existence and severely affects the quality of life of women and girls (Dogoli et al (2023). Menstrual hygiene is fundamental to the dignity and wellbeing of women and is girls and an important part of basic hygiene, sanitation, and reproductive health services to which every woman (Rose et al, 2022) and girl has a right (Tegegne & Sisay, 2014).…”

“…The situation could be due to a lack of supportive workplace and public health policies to promote accessibility and equal access to facilities to accommodate menstruating women and girls in educational institutions (Zellner, 2014). If not properly managed, menstruation can disrupt the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as SDG #3 on excellent health, SGD #4 on good education, SDG #5 on gender egalitarianism, and SDG #6 on the need for safe water and sanitation (Dogoli et al, 2023;Munro et al, 2021;Zellner, 2014).…”

“…Menstruation was also considered shameful religiously, which forced most of the women to hide their periods, more so cramps were considered as a punishment to women for the sin of Eve in the account of the origin of sin in the bible (Zellner, 2014). In the ancient era, menstruation was also associated with curses, which made people think of it as a mystical thing to be feared for a long time (Dogoli et al, 2023). The negative perspective towards menstruating women made organizational institutions and educational institutions inclusive to be silent about issues concerning menstruation management Chrisler and Johnston-Robledo (2011).…”