Introduction

Menstrual Health Management (MHM) is far more than a sanitation issue; it is a fundamental matter of human rights, gender equality, education, and public health. Across the globe, millions of women, girls, and menstruating individuals face significant challenges in managing their menstruation with dignity and safety due to a lack of access to accurate information, affordable menstrual products, adequate WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) facilities, and pervasive social stigma. These barriers can lead to missed school days, reduced economic participation, health risks, and profound psychological distress, ultimately impeding the achievement of various Sustainable Development Goals. Addressing MHM holistically requires a multi-sectoral approach that integrates policy, programming, and community engagement to foster truly inclusive and equitable societies. This essential training course focuses on Menstrual Health Management and Policy, equipping participants to drive comprehensive and sustainable MHM solutions.

This intensive training course is meticulously designed to equip public health professionals, gender equality advocates, educators, policymakers, development practitioners, and civil society actors with the theoretical understanding and practical tools necessary to advance Menstrual Health Management and Policy. Participants will gain a deep understanding of the socio-cultural, economic, and health dimensions of menstruation, explore global best practices in MHM programming, and learn how to advocate for and develop gender-responsive MHM policies. The course will delve into topics such as period poverty, destigmatizing menstruation, inclusive WASH infrastructure, sustainable menstrual product solutions, and multi-sectoral MHM strategies. By mastering the principles and methodologies of Menstrual Health Management and Policy, participants will be empowered to design and implement effective interventions, influence policy reforms, and contribute to a world where everyone can manage menstruation with dignity and confidence.

Duration: 5 Days

Target Audience

• Public Health Professionals
• Gender Equality Advocates and Specialists
• Educators and School Administrators
• WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) Practitioners
• Policymakers and Government Officials (Health, Education, Gender, WASH Ministries)
• Civil Society Organizations working on SRHR, Education, and Women's Rights
• Community Development Workers
• Social Workers
• Researchers in Health and Social Sciences
• Product Innovators and Social Entrepreneurs in MHM

Course Objectives

• Understand the holistic concept of Menstrual Health Management (MHM), beyond hygiene.
• Analyze the socio-cultural, economic, health, and environmental impacts of menstruation.
• Comprehend the human rights dimensions of menstrual health.
• Explore global best practices and innovative solutions in MHM programming.
• Learn to design gender-responsive and inclusive MHM interventions.
• Acquire skills in advocating for and developing MHM policies at various levels.
• Understand the importance of multi-sectoral approaches to MHM.
• Develop strategies for destigmatizing menstruation and promoting open dialogue.
• Identify and address challenges related to period poverty and access to products.
• Develop a practical action plan for implementing MHM initiatives or policy advocacy.
• Enhance communication and partnership-building skills for MHM.

Course Content

Module 1: Understanding Menstrual Health: Beyond Biology

• The biological process of menstruation and its diverse experiences.
• Defining Menstrual Health Management (MHM) holistically.
• Socio-cultural norms, taboos, and stigma surrounding menstruation globally.
• The psychological and emotional impacts of poor MHM.
• Intersectionality: how menstruation intersects with disability, poverty, age, and displacement.

Module 2: The Multi-dimensional Impact of Poor MHM

• Impact on education: school absenteeism and dropout rates.
• Impact on health: infections, reproductive health issues, mental well-being.
• Impact on economic empowerment and livelihoods.
• Environmental impact of menstrual waste.
• Human rights implications: dignity, equality, non-discrimination.

Module 3: Essential Pillars of Comprehensive MHM

• Access to accurate and age-appropriate information and education.
• Availability and affordability of safe and appropriate menstrual products.
• Access to adequate and inclusive WASH facilities (water, soap, private spaces for changing and disposal).
• Supportive social environment free from stigma and discrimination.
• Health services for menstrual disorders and related issues.

Module 4: Menstrual Products: Choices, Accessibility, and Sustainability

• Overview of different menstrual products: disposable pads, tampons, menstrual cups, reusable pads, period underwear.
• Considerations for product selection: affordability, cultural acceptability, environmental impact, availability.
• Local production and innovation in menstrual products.
• Addressing period poverty: subsidies, free provision, and advocacy for tax elimination.
• Safe disposal mechanisms for menstrual waste.

Module 5: Inclusive WASH Infrastructure for MHM

• Designing gender-sensitive and disability-inclusive latrines and changing rooms.
• Ensuring access to running water and soap for handwashing.
• Safe and private disposal systems for menstrual waste.
• WASH in schools, workplaces, public spaces, and humanitarian settings.
• Community-led approaches to improving WASH facilities for MHM.

Module 6: Education and Awareness for Destigmatization

• Developing age-appropriate menstrual health education curricula for schools.
• Engaging boys and men in MHM awareness to challenge stereotypes.
• Community-based awareness campaigns and dialogue initiatives.
• Role of media and social media in normalizing menstruation.
• Training for teachers, health workers, and community leaders on MHM.

Module 7: Policy and Advocacy for Menstrual Health

• Analyzing existing national and sub-national policies related to MHM.
• Advocating for comprehensive national MHM policies and strategies.
• Integrating MHM into broader health, education, WASH, and gender policies.
• Budgeting for MHM initiatives: allocation and effective spending.
• The role of legal frameworks in promoting menstrual equity.

Module 8: Multi-sectoral Collaboration and Partnerships

• Engaging various stakeholders: government, civil society, private sector, academic institutions.
• Building strong partnerships for integrated MHM programs.
• Best practices in multi-sectoral MHM initiatives (health, education, WASH, social protection).
• Measuring impact and conducting M&E for MHM programs.
• Resource mobilization for sustainable MHM interventions.

Module 9: Emerging Issues, Innovation, and Future Directions

• Menstrual health in humanitarian crises and emergency settings.
• Research gaps and evidence generation in MHM.
• The role of technology and digital platforms in MHM education and access.
• Adolescent girls and young women as agents of change in MHM.
• Developing a personal/organizational roadmap for advancing MHM in their context.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training