This study examines a range of issues, from women's and girls' lack of access to sanitation and hygiene services, to their strategies for dealing with menstrual hygiene management while playing their roles, including in families, communities, at work, and at school. The study also addresses the impact of perpetrated beliefs and restrictions they sometimes face in two regions of Cameroon.
- While the majority of the total sample had heard of menstruation, more than 70 percent said that they did not understand what was happening to them when they had their first period.
- Within the education system, menstruation was a topic mainly addressed at secondary school. Teachers are ranked third as sources of information about periods.
- Mothers and sisters were the main sources of information about periods among both the school and general sample. Data show that mothers and sisters focus on washing and the use of sanitary protection.
- Drying and disposal issues were infrequently or very poorly addressed. Instead, mothers and sisters put an emphasis on amalgams and beliefs.
- While the majority of schools visited had latrines, their poor maintenance resulted in sporadic use by girls, particularly during menstruation.
- Girls' school attendance varied from 9 to 47 percent due to menstrual pain, concentration problems, and inability to change and manage intimate hygiene at school.
- "While the majority of the total sample had heard of menstruation, more than 70 percent said that they did not understand what was happening to them when they had their first period.
- Within the education system, menstruation was a topic mainly addressed at secondary school. Teachers are ranked third as sources of information about periods.
- Mothers and sisters were the main sources of information about periods among both the school and general sample. Data show that mothers and sisters focus on washing and the use of sanitary protection.
- Drying and disposal issues were infrequently or very poorly addressed. Instead, mothers and sisters put an emphasis on amalgams and beliefs.
- While the majority of schools visited had latrines, their poor maintenance resulted in sporadic use by girls, particularly during menstruation.
- Girls' school attendance varied from 9 to 47 percent due to menstrual pain, concentration problems, and inability to change and manage intimate hygiene at school.
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- Copyright 2015 UN Women, Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council.
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