Menstrual management in communal sanitation facilities: recommendations to eThekwini Municipality

摘要

A growing body of research has shown that menstrual hygiene products (MHPs) are critical to genderequity, and South Africa has committed to providing free sanitary napkins to all indigent women. Toaddress interim water and sanitation needs of its citizens living in informal settlements, South Africa’seThekwini Water and Sanitation Unit (EWS) constructed community ablution blocks (CABs) that consistof gender-separated toilets, showers, and washbasins. The interactions between women, unfamiliarsanitation systems, and MHPs are likely to impact women and the sanitation systems they utilize. Alarger case study led by PATH is evaluating these interactions, within which this sub-study aims tocharacterize the relationship between CABs and menstrual hygiene management in Durban’s informalsettlements. Based on analysis of information gathered through interviews, photo documentation, andobservations, we provide recommendations to EWS that we believe will improve women’s experiences atCABs and reduce negative impacts on the sanitation systems.