Adolescent Health in Myanmar
Support Burnet’s Adolescent Health Programs in Myanmar today.
Support Burnet’s Adolescent Health Programs in Myanmar today.
Support Burnet’s Adolescent Health Programs in Myanmar today.
Support Burnet’s Adolescent Health Programs in Myanmar today.
Managing menstruation effectively and with dignity can be challenging for girls and women in low and middle-income countries. Currently there is limited research on menstrual hygiene management (MHM) in the Pacific region. Unpublished information suggests that menstrual management is a challenge for many women and girls in the Pacific, and that it may also be a barrier to school participation and attendance, and to employment and income generation.
This study aimed to explore the challenges experienced by women and girls in managing their menstruation, and whether these challenges make it hard for them to equally participate in school and work and engage with their communities.
The study was undertaken in Fiji, the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea (PNG), in both urban and rural research sites.
Image: Solomon Islands data collection
In late 2016 and early 2017 focus group discussions were undertaken with adolescent girls (both in and out of school), women, and men. In-depth interviews were undertaken with marginalised girls and women, such as those living with a disability. Interviews were also held with people such as employers and vendors of menstrual hygiene products, health workers, religious and community leaders and teachers. We explored information, practices and challenges related to menstruation, and opportunities to enable menstruating girls and women to manage their menstruation more effectively and with dignity.
An observation checklist was completed at participating schools and workplaces (both formal and informal settings) to examine the extent to which WASH facilities are appropriate for menstruating girls and women. An assessment of the availability and cost of commercially available sanitary products in each site was also made.
Image: PNG data collection team
The cultural and ethnic diversity in each country, differing expressions of gender inequality and the vast geographic spread of communities should be acknowledged when interpreting the study findings. Some of the key research findings were:
Image: Solomon Islands data collection
Programming efforts directed toward improving MHM in Solomon Islands, PNG and Fiji would benefit from a comprehensive approach that considers the broad range of determinants of menstrual health. Our general recommendations from the research include:
Image: Fiji data collection team
Critically, any initiatives should be underpinned by a human rights approach, and ensure that women’s and girls’ voices are central to decision making about any initiatives that impact on them.
This research was funded by the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), including its InnovationXchange. It was conducted by Burnet Institute and WaterAid Australia with support from the International Women’s Development Agency, and in partnership with local researchers, government, organisational and community stakeholders in country. The findings will guide development of DFAT funded MHM programs in the region.
Image: Solomon Islands shop survey
May 2016 – December 2017
Lisa Natoli, Principal Investigator WaterAid Australia International Women’s Development Agency
The research is funded by the Commonwealth Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
For any general enquiries relating to this project, please contact:
Women's and Children's Health Specialist (Parental leave till August 2021)