Role of menstruation hygiene management in promoting girls’ education and achievement of gender equality- assessing provision of sanitary pads and menstruation management facilities in public secondary schools: a case study of bumbuli district council, ta

Gender equality in education has been an issue of interest in the development agendas of the whereas each country was required to integrate gender issues into their development plans and strategies. Despite efforts made to achieve gender equality in education, few countries worldwide have attained full gender parity in secondary education. Tanzania like other SSA countries has worked hard to achieve gender equality in respect to education as given by EFA MDGs and currently SDGs. However, the problem of girls dropping out early from school and poor academic performance continues to be prevalent. Poor Menstruation Hygienic Management (MHM) pointed out as one among factors affecting progress toward development of girls’ education. This study therefore, assessed practice of MHM in government secondary schools and its impact on girls’ education. The study was guided by phenomenological research design so as gain understanding about MHM practices and the related effects on education of girls. Stratified sampling technique was used to obtain a sample size of 21 participants from which information related to study problem was collected. Data collection methods included interview and focus group discussion while data analysis involved thematic analysis. Study findings revealed that there is change in attitude about MHM whereas society in the study area perceives it positively. The study further noted that there is poor practice of MHM in the study area whereas most of schools do not have MHM disposal facilities but also do not provide enough sanitary pads to girls. Nevertheless, school girls are not provided with hygienic pads at home because of poor financial condition of their parents. Additionally, the study revealed that poor practice of MHM has negatively impact girls’ education and progress toward achievement of full gender parity in secondary education.