GWC Helpdesk
Contact GWCRefugee populations often flee with very little belongings and lack appropriate hygiene infrastructure in an environment that is unfamiliar to them. For women and girls, this also means that it is more difficult for them to have menstrual hygiene management (MHM). MHM is important in emergencies because it reduces the risk of infection to girls and women, provides empowerment to engage in activities and survival during emergencies, and the provision of safe facilities reduces risk of sexual abuse. This project was focused in Somalia, Haiti, and the Philippines where it was found that there was a lack/poor maintenance of private facilities, inaccessibility to clean water, and a lack of information about MHM. The recommendations include identifying and recognizing that MHM is an issue to be addressed, coordinate responses by identifying stakeholders, and have an informed response that includes beneficiary feedback.