Practice Note: Menstrual Hygiene Management-Breaking Taboos and Supporting Policy Change in West and Central Africa

Abstract

This chapter shares the policies and practices enacted as a result of a pilot program in menstrual hygiene management undertaken from 2014 to 2018 in West and Central Africa. Aidara and Gassame Mbaye describe a culture of silence and taboo around menstruation. The pilot program, implemented by the UN Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council (WSSCC) and UN Women, sought to address women’s and girls’ needs, specifically in the WASH sector. In reviewing results from the program, Aidara and Gassama Mbaye show that operational research in and with communities is key to inform public policies. The authors especially focus on the policy dialogue and sensitization efforts undertaken to promote gender equality in the WASH sector.