A new study into the impact of the provision of sanitary pads for girls in developing countries shows significant educational and social benefits.
Professor Linda Scott of Saïd Business School is leading a research project in Ghana to investigate whether the provision of sanitary products in developing countries may offer a faster, more direct, and less expensive means of raising school attendance and academic performance among girls than is seen from the more common community engagement programmes aimed at retaining girls in school. Though the international aid community has speculated on the potentially positive effects of providing sanitary care materials, this study, conducted by Scott with colleagues Catherine Dolan, Sue Dopson, and Paul Montgomery, is the first empirical research ever to investigate the question.
The study had two parts: an in-depth qualitative investigation of the circumstances surrounding schoolgirls’ menstruation in poor districts, and a quantitative pilot trial of pads and puberty education provision. The first phase indicated that post-pubescent girls were missing school as many as five days each month due to inadequate menstrual care. Other activities such as work, chores and playing with other children are also restricted. In rural locations the impact of menstruation upon the girls was particularly noticeable where there were no, or inadequate, toilet or washing facilities, no privacy, and the girls had walks of two hours or more to attend school.
The second phase tested a combination of sanitary pads provision and an education module about menstruation and hygiene. After six months, the girls in the treatment groups where pads were provided missed significantly less school than before the test. On average, the rate of absenteeism was cut by slightly more than half, from about 21 per cent of school days to about 9 per cent of school days. In the village where education only was provided, there was also a reduction in absenteeism, but the effect was delayed.
The girls also reported an improved ability to concentrate in school, higher confidence levels, and increased participation in a range of everyday activities while menstruating. Negative experiences relating to soiling and embarrassment declined, as did feelings of shame and isolation, and measures of well-being improved.
The study points to a number of important issues for policy makers and NGOs in developing countries, not least how to fund and implement a programme of sanitary product provision, and how to dispose of the pads with minimal environmental impact particularly in rural areas.
Dr Paul Montgomery, Reader in Psycho-Social Intervention, comments: “The potential impact of this study for the life chances of these girls is profound, as it is already well known that it is women who are main players in driving economic development in many parts of Africa.”
The study has been supported by FURDEV of Ghana, Plan International, Afrikids, and CENSUDI of Ghana, as well as by the Ghanaian national Ministries of Education and Health. In addition, local health and education authorities, especially the Girls’ Education and School Health Coordinators provided ground support. Procter & Gamble provided some sanitary pads for the study, as well as background information on the consumer market in Ghana. The study was funded by the John Fell Oxford University Press Fund and Green Templeton College, Oxford.