Mainstreaming MHM in South Asia, side event by WaterAid at SACOSAN 7

Side Event: Mainstreaming MHM in South Asia progress, gaps and realities from the ground in Collaboration with MHM working group in Pakistan at SACOSAN

The side event on Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) in South Asia was organised by MHM Working Group in Pakistan, which is currently led by WaterAid. The event also featured the launch of a regional research study “Menstrual hygiene management in schools in South Asia” jointly undertaken by WaterAid and Unicef. The eight-country reports detail the status of MHM in schools in South Asia. They identify progress and gaps in achieving sustainable and inclusive MHM services at scale, and draw together opportunities for further promoting and mainstreaming MHM in schools across South Asia.

The overall findings suggest that MHM in schools across South Asia has been improved over the last decade but still lots of challenges remain regarding the lack of MHM-friendly facilities. The session also asked advised to focusing on improving MHM in disabled girls. It was suggested to engage both men and women in disseminating pragmatic knowledge among girls so that social and cultural taboos can be avoided. Menstrual hygiene is important gift of nature which must be valued.

The session concluded with the demand to improve political prioritisation, allocation and utilisation of budget, improved infrastructure, better education, clean supplies, cross-sectoral integration and coordination, more communication platforms and equity at national and regional level. Speaking during the event, Secretary Women Development Department – Punjab assured that MHM will be soon incorporated in the agenda by Women Development Department Punjab as women are equally important for attaining prosperity and sustaining quality livelihoods in the region.