A recent research finding into menstrual management in three countries in the Pacific, including PNG, has showed limited research in menstrual hygiene management.
Burnet Institute, WaterAid and the International Women’s Development Agency conducted a research during the year that included more than 300 adolescent girls, women, men, community leaders, teachers and health care workers participated in a qualitative study in one urban and one rural site in PNG, the Solomon Islands and Fiji.
Women’s and children’s health officer at Burnet Institute Yasmin Mohamed and equality, inclusion and rights adviser at WaterAid Australia Chelsea Huggett stated in their findings that studies repeatedly show that a lack of access to education, acceptable and affordable sanitary products, and well-maintained water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities contribute to feelings of shame, embarrassment and discomfort. Until now there has been limited research on menstrual management in the Pacific, and the Last Taboo project is helping to bridge this gap.
In PNG and the Solomon Islands, many adolescent girls lack comprehensive knowledge about the menstrual cycle, and reported being unprepared for their first period. This often led to feelings of shame and embarrassment. In contrast, in Fiji girls and women have better access to education on menstruation and how to manage it, although knowledge gaps still exist.
In PNG and Fiji, some girls and women spoken to found commercial sanitary products affordable, although it was often more challenging for those living in rural areas. There was a large range of products available in urban sites in these two countries. In the Solomon Islands however, sanitary products were prohibitively expensive and much less available, and products stocked in local shops were poorer quality.
The research also observed a small number of WASH facilities at schools and workplaces in each country. Most of the WASH facilities in the Solomon Islands and PNG did not meet basic needs, with non-functioning toilets, poorly maintained facilities, a lack of privacy, no place to dispose of used menstrual materials, and lack of soap and water.
Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is considering how best to take forward recommendations from the research.