Uganda: The Hidden Menstrual Hygiene Crisis Among Middle-Class Women

When menstrual hygiene is discussed, it often focuses on underserved communities. However, middle-class girls and women also face challenges. They struggle with the safe disposal of menstrual products.

Many women must carry used sanitary pads until they find a proper bin. This situation raises hygiene concerns. It is especially difficult for those living in apartment buildings. Waste collection trucks may only come every two weeks, leading to odors and loss of dignity.

Menstrual hygiene for middle-class women is about rights and dignity. We need systems that recognize all menstruators' needs. The law supports this, but we must implement it effectively.

A UNICEF and WHO report shows that access to menstrual waste disposal in schools is low. Only 31 percent of schools worldwide have bins for menstrual waste in girls' toilets.

The situation is worse in least developed countries, where only 17 percent provide such facilities. In sub-Saharan Africa, just 11 percent of schools offer bins for safe disposal.

Uganda must act on its commitments to the Sustainable Development Goals and the Maputo Protocol. This includes ensuring equitable sanitation and hygiene for all, particularly regarding menstrual health.

Studies show inadequate disposal options lead to unsafe practices like flushing pads or open dumping. Menstrual dignity should be a basic human right for everyone.

To improve menstrual hygiene management, the UNICEF and WHO report recommends providing waste bins as a quick solution. Uganda has committed to improving menstrual health through various guidelines but lacks enforcement mechanisms.

The absence of disposal bins highlights a gap between policy and practice. All girls' toilets in schools should have covered bins for hygienic disposal.

This issue affects urban areas too, including five-star hotels that need better facilities for women's needs. Properly placed disposal bins can reduce improper disposal methods that pose health risks.

Uganda's National Menstrual Hygiene Management Charter calls for friendly infrastructure in institutions like schools and workplaces. The Water and Environment Sector Development Plan recognizes the need for safe sanitation services.

The Education Sector Policy recommends gender-sensitive sanitation facilities in schools, including bins in girls' toilets. For sustained progress, national policy development and implementation are crucial.

Governments must enforce policies that support menstrual health management in schools with necessary infrastructure and funding. We urge the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education to include menstrual waste management in national audits so no institution is overlooked.