Tanzania: Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) for Education in Emergencies (EIE): A Study for Plan International Tanzania

Executive Summary

As per the Global Goals (SDG 4- 4.1), Plan International has been strategically supporting girls’ secondary education and working to eliminate the barriers that hinder one of the significant barriers that Plan International Tanzania identified was a lack of support for Burundian refugee girls during their menstruation. This was seen as a contributor to both girls missing several days of school per month or dropping out altogether. Female students don’t have adequate facilities to wash themselves during their menstruation cycle, and that they use old clothes to stop the flow. In addition, they don’t have adequate space in which to change or wash their clothes, and, because of these difficulties, they felt it too challenging to attend school during menstruation.

The objectives were to conduct a thorough assessment of Plan International Tanzania’s MHM program for adolescent girls, to identify gaps and to advise on which additional subjects girls need in school. The study’s four objectives were to: • Identify the meaning of menstruation in the daily lives of adolescent girls in Nduta Camp; • Assess the impact of MHM on adolescent girls’ school attendance in Nduta Camp; • Assess the support resources (parents, teachers, community) align with MHM promotes the adolescent girls’ school attendance in Nduta Camp; • Identify other possible sources of support – from the viewpoints of the girls themselves A mixed-method assessment was used for this study; such as desk reviews, existing project document reviews, key informant interviews, focus group assessments (FGA) and field assessments (FA) were incorporated. In parallel combinations, methods were used separately, and the FGA and FA findings were integrated after the data was analysed.

Key Findings: When adolescent girls don’t feel clean, they are only focusing on this, and not on the lesson at all. The lack of MHM severely affects the daily school life of these girls. By the provided MHM trainings, they are now prepared for menstruation by having dignity kit. The relevancy and effectiveness of dignity kits and MHM trainings directly impacts adolescent girls’ school attendance. MHM training teach adolescent girls how to best take care of themselves during their period. Girls overwhelmingly do not have any reliable support from families, teachers – except a few female teachers- or the community. They are essentially on their own when they have their period, and it jeopardizes their school attendance and social interactions. Adolescent girls are in danger of several risks, the most important one dropping out of school. Additional supports for adolescent girls attending school are required, such as girls’ club activities, remedial classes (including for the NECTA exam), scholastic materials, and also community awareness campaign regarding girls’ education.
Key recommendations: Within the context of these recommendations are outlined in three subject areas: a. Minimise the risks of adolescent girls’ education, such as providing community based mentorship programs, positive environment for supporting girls’ academic success be provided, etc. b. Minimising the negative effects of menstruation on girls’ daily school lives, such as providing MHM training and dignity kit, gender-friendly latrines in the schools be built, etc. c. Maximising the support sources aligned with MHM, such as conducting informational training sessions on MHM for parents and teachers (for both male and female, implementing youth-centred MHM trainings and activities about the importance of girls education. At the same time, it is expected that educational stakeholders be more proactive; they should be more timely and need based in their responses so as to reduce the minimize risks and negative effects, and also to maximise the support sources aligned with MHM. Educational stakeholders should be supported technically and financially for these in terms of their quality and accountable response.
As per the Global Goals as well as the INEE MS Handbook, children who experience conflict, natural disasters or complex emergencies have a right to education and protection, and to have their communities make education a continuing priority.
Providing quality education for all is the primary responsibility of the national authorities, and is carried out by the ministries of education and local education authorities.
The importance of education should be given permanent priority by all related stakeholders, rather than the Government of Tanzania simply responding to the refugee crisis.

From: https://education.einnews.com/article/405650377/JlVpiJLP82NBf1bZ?lcf=ZdFIsVy5FNL1d6BCqG9muZ1ThG_8NrDelJyazu0BSuo%3D