Accessing WASH Facilities in Schools to Address the Issue of Stigmatized Menstruating Students in Liberia: Montserrado County as a Case Study

Abstract

In modern Liberian society, there is a perception of a prevailing culture of silence surrounding the topic of menstruation, where it is often viewed as unclean and taboo, particularly in traditional settings. This lack of open dialogue and instruction regarding menstrual cleanliness has left numerous schoolgirls uninformed and ill-prepared to handle their periods adequately. Despite the crucial role that maintaining proper menstrual hygiene plays in safeguarding the health and welfare of females, this matter has not garnered the requisite attention and urgency from national health authorities, including the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Commission of Liberia. To address this gap in knowledge and support, a comprehensive study was undertaken to explore the factors influencing Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) among schoolgirls in Liberia and to propose effective mitigation strategies for enhancing menstrual hygiene practices during their menstruation periods. Employing a mixed-method approach with a cross sectional descriptive design, the research focused on schools’ WASH status and understanding girls' perceptions, behaviors, and competencies related to menstrual hygiene. The study surveyed four schools in Montserrado County, Liberia, comprising two private schools: Joseph Jenkins Roberts United Methodist School and John G. Mills High School) and two public schools, William V.S. Tubman and G.W. Gibson High School, with a sample size of 400 students from the senior high division (10th – 12th grade) with the corresponding ages of 15-21 years defined by the Ministry of Education. Findings from the research highlighted key challenges faced by schoolgirls, including a lack of educational resources on MHM, limited knowledge and experience of menstruation, and inadequate sanitation facilities on school premises, all of which significantly impact their ability to manage menstrual hygiene effectively. Notably, the study revealed that many schools in Liberia have substandard sanitation facilities, leading to female students missing school days during their menstruation periods. The observation of shared unsanitary facilities for both girls and boys further underscored the urgent need for improved infrastructure and hygiene practices in educational settings. In light of these findings, the WASH in Schools (WinS) unit of the Ministry of Education of Liberia must take proactive measures to address these challenges. This includes conducting regular inspections of schools' WASH facilities, integrating comprehensive menstrual hygiene management into the education curriculum across Liberian schools, and providing girls with the necessary support, information, and safe spaces to practice proper menstrual hygiene. By prioritizing MHM within the education system, Liberia can empower its schoolgirls to manage their menstrual health effectively and ensure their continued participation in education without disruption