Half of the global population menstruate as part of their life cycle. This involves water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) needs that are often overlooked. Experience from the Millennium Development Goals shows that states focus on targets that are measured globally. Data and indicators on menstrual hygiene management (MHM) for women and girls can have a positive impact on raising awareness, national policy making, and in finding sustainable WASH sector solutions.

This study examines and analyses behaviours and practices for the management of menstrual hygiene and their impact on the living conditions of sedentary and nomadic women and girls in Niger. The study was carried out in the regions of Maradi, Zinder, Tahoua and Tillabéri under the Joint Programme on Gender, Hygiene and Sanitation in West and Central Africa and implemented by WSSCC and UN Women. The findings of the study reveal various shortcomings, especially in rural areas and, more specifically, among nomadic populations.

The aim of this study was to understand rural women and girls' age-specific experiences of using and accessing sanitation. The study focussed on the accessibility of latrines and the conditions of sanitation experienced across age, religion, caste, etc. The study objectives were informed by research indicating that women and girls have unique needs, and that these needs vary between urban and rural environments (Sahoo et al. 2015; Simiyu 2015; O’Reilly 2015).

This policy brief summarises previous research on menstrual hygiene management (MHM) and highlights the Sanitation and Hygiene Applied Research for Equity (SHARE) Consortium’s contribution to this important topic. It then defines knowledge gaps which still exist and sets out clear recommendations for improving policy and programmes globally.

Between 2010 and 2016, Plan Netherlands implemented a CLTS programme in 8 countries in Africa: Ethiopia, Uganda, Kenya, Malawi, Zambia, Ghana, Sierra Leone and Niger. This programme, although entitled ‘Empowering self-help sanitation of rural and peri-urban communities and schools in Africa’ soon became known as the Pan Africa Programme.