Mainstreaming menstrual hygiene management: lessons from a decade of programme and policy work

Proper menstrual hygiene management is integral to the dignity and health of women and girls. However, it is a neglected issue both in the WASH and health sectors, leading to a crisis of knowledge, facilities and hygienic practice. This briefing paper describes the initiatives taken by the Bangladesh country programme of the international non-governmental organisation WaterAid. As one of the pioneers of Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) in Bangladesh, WaterAid’s experiences hold important lessons for those currently working on the issue, and looking to take it forward to make sustainable impact.