Periods and Education: How Menstrual Health Impacts School Attendance and Performance

Menstrual health plays a crucial role in girls’ education, yet it remains a neglected aspect of school
health and hygiene. Menstruation can significantly impact school attendance and academic
performance, particularly in settings where girls lack access to menstrual products, hygiene facilities, and
education. In this article, we explore the relationship between menstrual health and education,
highlighting the barriers girls face and strategies to promote menstrual equity in schools.

Menstrual Health and School Attendance:
Menstrual health directly affects girls’ school attendance, as many girls miss school during their periods
due to discomfort, lack of access to menstrual products, and stigma. Studies have shown that girls in
low-income countries miss an average of 20% of school days each year due to menstruation-related
issues. Additionally, girls may stay home from school to avoid embarrassment or discomfort associated
with menstruation, further impacting their academic progress and opportunities.

Academic Performance and Menstrual Health:
Menstrual health also impacts girls’ academic performance and achievement. Girls who experience
menstrual discomfort or anxiety may struggle to concentrate in class, participate in activities, or perform
well on exams. Furthermore, missing school days due to menstruation can lead to gaps in learning,
decreased engagement, and lower academic outcomes over time. The effects of menstrual health on
academic performance can contribute to educational inequalities and perpetuate gender disparities in
achievement.

Barriers to Menstrual Equity in Schools:
Several barriers contribute to the lack of menstrual equity in schools, including:

• Lack of Access to Menstrual Products: Many schools do not provide free or affordable menstrual
  products, leaving girls to manage menstruation with inadequate or improvised materials.
• Inadequate Hygiene Facilities: Poorly maintained or insufficient toilets and handwashing facilities make
  it challenging for girls to manage menstruation hygienically at school.
• Stigma and Shame: Cultural taboos and stigma surrounding menstruation create a hostile environment
  for girls, leading to embarrassment, isolation, and reluctance to seek support.

Strategies for Promoting Menstrual Equity:
To promote menstrual equity in schools and support girls’ education, the following strategies can be
implemented:

• Provide Free Menstrual Products: Schools should provide free menstrual products in toilets and
  hygiene facilities to ensure that all girls have access to the products they need to manage menstruation.
• Improve Hygiene Facilities: Invest in the construction and maintenance of clean and private toilets,
  handwashing stations, and disposal facilities to support girls’ menstrual hygiene needs.
• Implement Menstrual Health Education: Integrate menstrual health education into school curricula to
  provide girls with accurate information about menstruation, hygiene practices, and reproductive health.
• Foster a Culture of Support: Create a supportive and inclusive school environment where menstruation
  is normalized, and girls feel comfortable discussing their menstrual health needs with teachers, peers,
  and staff.

Engaging Stakeholders and Advocacy:
Engaging stakeholders, including school administrators, policymakers, parents, and community leaders,
is crucial for advocating for menstrual equity in schools. Collaborative efforts are needed to raise
awareness about the importance of menstrual health in education, mobilize resources, and implement
policies and practices that support girls’ menstrual health and well-being.

Menstrual health is a fundamental aspect of girls’ education and well-being. By addressing barriers to
menstrual equity in schools, providing access to menstrual products and hygiene facilities, implementing
menstrual health education, and fostering a culture of support, we can promote girls’ attendance,
participation, and academic achievement. It’s time to prioritize menstrual equity in education and
ensure that all girls have the resources and support they need to thrive in school and beyond.