Menstrual Hygiene Management in Kiribati schools – snapshot

Findings from the study include:

- Girls in Kiribati lack knowledge about menstruation and reproductive health as they transition into adolescence and adulthood.

- Poor water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) contributes to girls being unable to manage their menstruation in Kiribati schools.

- It is often considered taboo for men and boys to talk about menstruation or interact with menstruating girls and women.

- Strong beliefs about menstruation in Kiribati culture can have a very positive effect on girls. However, some behavioural restrictions have potentially harmful outcomes.

- Girls in Kiribati schools find it difficult to manage their menstrual pain.

- Key members of the school leadership community also lack knowledge about menstrual health and hygiene, most notably parents and teachers.

Recommendations for school leaders include:

- Ensuring the school toilets are safe, secure, private and hygienic. Encouraging teachers to talk about menstruation and female health with students.

- Acting as role models.

- Ensuring easy access for girls to sanitary pads and pain relief.

- Disciplining bad behaviours.

- Starting a conversation about behavioural restrictions for menstruating girls.