Menstrual hygiene is a subject that has thus far been largely neglected by public health literature, including the WASH sector (water, sanitation, and hygyiene). As a result, millions of women and girls continue to be denied their rights for WASH, health, education, dignity and gender equity.
This study uses a Focus Group Discussion in order to identify the access to menstrual hygiene management (MHM) materials; challenges and the utilization behaviors of refugees and to assess their preference for type of MHM materials.
Key findings: Different experiences of sanitary pads utilization were observed among the discussants before their arrival to the camp. Those women coming from an urban area had experience with sanitary pads utilization, while those women coming from rural parts of Somalia used to use cloths.
Conclusion: As the High Commissioner’s Five Commitments to Refugee Women include the provision of sanitary materials to all women and girls of concern, it will be good if the WASH sector and other partners give more attention (besides UNHCR’s concern) to address the women’s demand for MHM items. The disposable type of sanitary pads was the preferred MHM item.
Recommendation: It is recommendable to connect school’s latrines with water for the better management of girls’ menstrual hygiene.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Objective of the FGD
Methodology
Key Findings of the FGD
Results of the FGD
Conclusion and recommendations
Annex I
A Guideline for Focus Group Discussion on Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) for women living in Bokolmanyo Camp
Annex.II-Questionnaire
Research Objectives and Core Themes
This report aims to assess the challenges, practices, and specific needs regarding menstrual hygiene management (MHM) among women and female school attendants living in the Bokolmanyo refugee camp to inform better support strategies.
- Experiences and practices of MHM among women before and during their stay in the camp.
- Evaluation of access to sanitary products and the utilization behaviors of the refugees.
- Identification of infrastructure and hygiene facility requirements, specifically related to latrines.
- Assessment of safety concerns during the distribution of humanitarian hygiene kits.
- Examination of awareness levels and information demands among school-aged girls regarding menstruation.
Excerpt from the Book
Results of the FGD
Most of the discussants were quite responsive when answering “What things did you feel you need for you hygiene and health upon your arrival to the camp?” Very few of them keep quite from responding to the question. Most of the discussant’s thought that drugs were the first priorities for their health while water, water collection jerry cans, latrines, and soap were priority demands for hygiene. Limited number of discussants mentioned; basins, potties and sanitary pads as essential items for their personal hygiene. One of the discussants said. “When I first arrived in this camp, the first thing that I felt as essential for me and my family was medicine, water and jerry cans and soap for health and hygiene.”
Hygiene and health information were seldom given to most of the respondents. “Upon my arrival to the camp, there was no body coming me to provide health and hygiene messages.” Some of them also mentioned that “…this is the first time to sit in a circle and discuss on menstrual hygiene”.
On the other hand, few discussants said that health and hygiene messages were delivered to them upon their arrival to the camp. “Discussions regarding environmental hygiene/cleanness and the utilization of sanitary pads were conducted by ARRA Corps.”
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: Outlines the neglect of menstrual hygiene in humanitarian settings and the necessity of addressing it to uphold the dignity and health of refugee women.
Objective of the FGD: Lists the specific goals of the focus group discussions, focusing on assessing practices, preferences, and challenges regarding MHM.
Methodology: Describes the study design, including the participant demographics, the study area, and the timeline of the focus group discussions.
Key Findings of the FGD: Highlights the main takeaways regarding usage patterns, the demand for sanitary products, and the preference for disposable items over reusable ones.
Results of the FGD: Details the qualitative feedback from participants regarding their arrival experiences, hygiene practices, and barriers to accessing adequate sanitation facilities.
Conclusion and recommendations: Summarizes the study findings and suggests actionable improvements for humanitarian partners to enhance MHM support.
Annex I: Contains the procedural guide used for conducting the focus group discussions with the participants.
Annex.II-Questionnaire: Provides the structured questions and probes used during the discussions for both adult women and school girls.
Keywords
Menstrual Hygiene Management, MHM, Bokolmanyo Refugee Camp, Sanitary Pads, WASH, Reproductive Health, Refugee Women, Focus Group Discussion, Hygiene Kits, Infrastructure, Sanitary Disposal, Humanitarian Assistance, School Girls, Menstruation, Health Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this report?
The report focuses on the management of menstrual hygiene (MHM) among women and girls residing in the Bokolmanyo refugee camp, identifying the challenges they face in accessing products and facilities.
What are the central themes discussed in the study?
The study centers on the availability of sanitary materials, the cultural practices of menstrual management, the need for private and hygienic facilities, and the safety of women during aid distribution.
What is the main goal of the research?
The primary goal is to gather firsthand information from refugees to identify their specific MHM-related needs and to help develop more effective strategies for supporting menstrual health in the camp.
Which scientific method was employed for data collection?
The researcher conducted two Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with a total of 24 participants, consisting of women from the refugee community and female students.
What is addressed in the main section of the document?
The main section covers the women's initial feelings upon arrival, their transition from pre-camp hygiene practices, current barriers to accessing MHM items, and specific requirements for latrines and sanitation infrastructure.
Which terms best characterize the content of this research?
Key terms include Bokolmanyo Refugee Camp, Menstrual Hygiene Management, WASH sectors, sanitary pads, and humanitarian aid distribution.
Why do women in the camp prefer disposable sanitary pads over reusable ones?
Participants expressed a strong preference for disposable pads due to concerns regarding health risks, specifically the fear of infections like RTI and UTIs, and the lack of proper facilities to wash and dry reusable cloths.
What were the main concerns raised regarding the distribution of hygiene items?
Women reported feeling unsafe during distribution due to overcrowding, long wait times, lack of shelter, and the failure to prioritize vulnerable groups such as pregnant women or mothers with disabilities.
- Quote paper
- Wudalew Meselu Tesfaye (Author), 2015, Menstrual Hygiene Management in Refugee Camps. A Qualitative Assessment using Focus Group Discussions, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/366971
