Menstruation Hygiene Mastery b y B u n g a M e r a h
ABOUT US In a world where empowerment knows no bounds, Bunga Merah stands tall as an organization dedicated to transforming the lives of menstruating girls through comprehensive menstrual hygiene management. With unwavering commitment, we have developed a groundbreaking educational program designed to foster proper menstrual hygiene practices, empowering individuals to embrace their femininity with confidence and dignity. With Bunga Merah's comprehensive program, menstruating girls gain more than just knowledge—they acquire the skills and confidence needed to navigate their menstrual journey with grace. Our module covers a wide range of essential topics, including hygiene practices, menstrual product options, emotional wellbeing, and breaking the barriers of societal taboos. By empowering girls to take charge of their own health and hygiene, we are fostering a generation of strong, confident, and resilient women. Join us on our empowering journey as we break down barriers, challenge norms, and champion the rights of menstruating girls. Together, we can ensure that every girl has access to the knowledge and support needed to embrace her menstruation with pride, enabling her to reach her full potential and thrive in a world that celebrates her femininity.
Table of Contents 01 02 03 04 05 Introduction Module 1 - Understanding Menstruation and Puberty Module 2 - Menstrual Hygiene Management in School Module 3 - Menstrual hygiene Material and Disposal Module 4 - Menstrual Accident
INTRODUCTION Purpose of Module: Topic 1: Understanding Menstruation and Puberty Topic 2: Menstrual Hygiene Management in School Topic 3: Menstrual Materials and Disposal Topic 4: Menstrual Accident Objective of the module Materials needed for the activities to be conducted and Guidance Notes that provide important notes on how to facilitate each activity. This Module has been organized into four topics: The introductory page to each module has three key framing notes including the Facilitator notes are also included for selected tools to assist the facilitator to conduct the session. This module is a comprehensive educational program or training that focuses on promoting proper menstrual hygiene practices among individuals, particularly menstruating girls. This module includes a series of lesson activities, and resources designed to provide knowledge, skills, and support managing menstruation hygienically and confidently. This programme aims to provide basic practical solutions to the issues that girls face at school when they begin menstruation. The module has been designed for use at the school level by teachers or district levels by the relevant trained facilitator.
OBJECTIVE To provide basic knowledge and understanding of menstruations and puberty among pupils both girls and boys. GUIDANCE NOTES MODULE 1 UNDERSTANDING MENSTRUATION AND PUBERTY MATERIALS #1 : Checklist #2 : Flash Card #3 : Flash Card #4 : Fact Sheet #5 : Flash Card #6 : Calendar #7 : Fact Sheet #8 : Quiz Physical Changes Puberty Human Anatomy Showing Biological Changes Stages of Development Showing Physical Changes Menstruation Female Reproductive Organ Menstrual Cycle Calendar Myths and Misconceptions Questions Who can explain what puberty is? What are some of the changes that will show that a girl or a boy is going through puberty? Before talking about menstruation it’s important for pupils to understand puberty. Material #1, #2 and #3 should be used together to talk about puberty. Flash cards are provided separately, too, so that they can be passed around to the members for closer study. You can conduct a session on puberty discussion, and ask Let the group/class know that puberty is the stage in a boy or girl’s development and growth when a number of physical changes take place to prepare the body for becoming a young man or woman.
Boys Girls Enlargement of the testes Breasts starts to grow Changes in texture and color of scrotum Hips start to grow much rounder and/or wider Increase in size of penis Increased size of uterus, vagina, labia, clitoris Appearance of pubic hair Appearance of pubic hair Ability in producing sperm Start menstruating or have monthly periods Changes in skin texture Changes in skin texture Chest broadens Chest broadens Appearance of hair in underarm Appearance of hair in underarm Increase in the body height Growth of facial hair Deep voice Objective: This tool is designed to educate pupils on the physical changes associated with puberty and to show the link between menstruation and puberty #1 CHECKLIST -PHYSICALCHANGES DURING PUBERTY
#2 FLASHCARD -HUMANANATOMY SHOWING BIOLOGIGALCHANGES #3 FLASHCARD - STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT SHOWING PHYSICAL CHANGES
Tool #4, #5, and #6 are designed to share information with both boys and girls on the facts about menstruation. When girls start their menstruation they usually do not know anything about it. Therefore they experience negative feelings of sadness, disappointment and sometimes fear. Girls who have already started menstruation have limited knowledge on the purpose of menstruation or why women menstruate. Start your talk with a few discussion questions below, and give space for discussion: Can someone tell us what menstruation is? What other terms are used to describe menstruation? After discussing the questions above, review Tool #4 with the MHM members Tool #5 on the Female Reproductive Organ is a tool that will help explain how girls menstruate and where the blood comes from. Tool #6 explains the whole menstrual cycle. Mention that the average menstrual cycle is 28 days and that this cycle can sometimes change and a girl can miss her monthly period. During the calendar exercise, mention that a girl can miss her period due to various reasions such as pregnancy, illness, when a girl has low blood levels (anaemia) she would miss her period, exercise, stress and geographical changes during travel. At this point distribute the calendars conduct the following exercise It important that this information is given both to girls that have not yet started menstruation and those that have already started menstruation, as well as to boys who can provide support Note: Before starting this module, print out Tool #6 or find templates of months to pass out tomembers GUIDANCE NOTES
#4 FACT SHEET - MENSTRUATION Objective: To educate pupils on the facts about menstruation Target & User : All pupils Girls experience menstruation during puberty, typically between 10 - 15years. In some cases, it may start earlier than 10years and later than 15years. Menstruation is a normal or natural process by which girls bleed through the vaginal canal. The first menstruation is called menarche and another term for menstruation is monthly period. The uterus is a body part which is shed during menstruation as menstrual blood (show the class the female reproductive organ tool) Every month the uterus grows a wall to prepare for menstruation. A girl bleeds every month after she begins her menstruation in the absence of pregnancy or illness. Menstruation usually occurs every 28 days but it is also possible to come earlier than 28 days and also later than 28 days. Sometimes it irregular for the first and second year of menstruation starts. Menstruating girls bleed between 2 to 7days with some lighter and heavy flows. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
#5 FLASHCARD - FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE ORGAN #6 CALENDAR - MENSTRUALCYCLE
#6 CALENDAR - MENSTRUALCYCLE
There are a number of myths and misconceptions that exist. Some of these myths hinder the safe management of menstruation and hurt access to menstrual hygiene support for girls. To encourage discussion around myths and misconceptions and dispel the negative ones, follow the steps in the checklist below: Do not show this fact sheet on myths and misconceptions to the group before the discussion, but you can make copies to share with the group after the discussion. Kick start the discussion on myths and misconceptions by asking the class/group to mention some myths and misconceptions that they know about menstruation. (write down their answers on a board or flip chart, and count how many people have heard about the myth shared After the group has shared all of its answers, go through each myth and ask the group if it believes the myth is true or not. Count raised hands and mark it down. GUIDANCE NOTES How to use Tool #7: Fact Sheet - Myths and Misconceptions
#7 FACT SHEET - MYTHS AND MISCONCEPTIONS Objective: To dispel negative myths and misconceptions hindering safe practice of menstrual hygiene Target & User : All pupils Myth Fact Menstruating girls should not eat certain foods such as cold water. Menstruating girls must consume iron-rich foods to gain back iron lost due to bleeding. Girls should drink water to restore lost fluids and avoid becoming thirsty. You can't get pregnant during your period. The chances of getting pregnant while on your period are slim, but they're still there. The menstrual cycle prepares the uterus for pregnancy, and sperm can live in the body for up to 5 days, making it possible to get pregnant. You should avoid activities like exercise when you're on your period. Exercise helps relieve symptoms associated with your period. It can make you feel better, concentrate more easily, and feel energized. It can also ease pain such as cramps, back pain, and headaches. Taking a bath during menstruation causes infection or infertility. Taking bath when having a period is necessary. It actually prevents a girl from infection and keeps her clean, fresh, and smelling good!
Create discussion in group Ask each group one question at a time. Representative from the group is allowed to give an answer for each given opportunity. Each question is to be answered within certain time ( 10 second ) If one group gives an incorrect answer, the question will be transferred to the other group. Every correct answer will carry 5 marks and every wrong answer will carry 0 marks. At the end of the quiz, tally the marks and announce the scores to the teams; proclaim one team as the winning team. . If the class is too big the teacher should take the intiative to split the class in smaller groups. Note: Inform the groups that the winning team will receive a reward from the club (you could use soft rewards) asmotivating factor. GUIDANCE NOTES How to use Tool #8: Quiz - Questions on MHM Knowledge
#8 QUIZ- MHM QUESTIONS Objective: To assess how much pupils know after learning about puberty and menstruation Target & User : All pupils Question Answer List 4 changes that boys and girls experience during puberty (4 for each) What is menstruation? At what age does menstruation start in girls? Another commonly used term for menstruation is……… On average, how long is a menstruation cycle? True or False: Sometimes boys also menstruate. Which body organ sheds mensuration blood? Why does a girl need to eat more fruits and vegetables, and drink more water, while menstruating?
OBJECTIVE Provide guidelines for schools to follow in order to provide girls with the facilities, and knowledge on how to manage menstrual hygiene appropriately at school GUIDANCE NOTES MODULE 2 MENSTRUAL HYGIENE MANAGEMENT IN SCHOOL MATERIALS Is Our School MHM Friendly? MHM Friendly Toilet MHM Unfriendly Toilet Quiz #9 #10 #11 #12 : : : : Checklist Line Drawing Line Drawing Fact Sheet Divide the in group, at least 4-5 pupils in each group and give them each group one line drawing, either tool #10 or tool #11 Allow the pupils to spot the MHM features or what is not supportive of MHM using the two tools, they can write their answers on the piece of paper or flip chart if available. Let the groups present and allow time for discussion, other groups can be asked to make contributions if they have any additions or subtractions. Conclude the exercise by telling the pupils what makes the toilet MHM friendly. The line drawings are designed to show the main features of an MHM friendly toilet. You will play a game called “Spot the Difference”. Tool #10 shows all the features of an MHM friendly toilet and tool #11 shows a toilet that does not. Conclude the exercise by telling the pupils what makes the toilet MHM friendly
MHM Friendly Check YES NO Does the school provide information for girls and boys on menstrual hygiene? Does the school have visual aids or tools on MHM? Are there separate toilets for girls and boys? Do girls & female teachers have access to hygienic toilets with washing facilities to manage their menstrual hygiene privately? Is there water & soap in girls’ toilets? Does the school provide for discrete disposal of used menstrual materials? Does the schools have a supply of emergency menstrual materials Objective: This tool is designed to educate pupils on the physical changes associated with puberty and to show the link between menstruation and puberty #9 CHECKLIST -IS OUR SCHOOL MHM FRIENDLY? Target & User : All pupils
#10 LINE DRAWING - MHM FRIENDLY TOILET Ideally there should be a door that can be locked from the inside The washing stand needs to be filled with water each day Use soap and water to wash during menstruation The toilet has a cleaning schedule and toilet brooms The toilet is cleaned with water every day (1 or 2 times daily) THIS IS AN MHM FRIENDLY TOILET BECAUSE… The toilet and washing area is private: there is a fence or a wall. Girls are able to change menstrual material in private There is a washing stand with a basin: The toilet is clean:
#11 LINE DRAWING - MHM UNFRIENDLY TOILET There are no doors or the doors are not lockable There is no washing area that is private The school HAS NO cleaning schedule THIS IS A MHM UN-FRIENDLY TOILET BECAUSE… The toilet and washing area is NOT private: Girls are NOT able to change menstrual material in private. There is NO washing stand with a basin The toilets are NOT clean
Question Answer What is Menstrual Hygiene Management? The use of clean materials to absorb or collect menstrual blood Be able to change menstrual material in private Use soap and water to wash during menstruation Safe care and disposal of menstrual material How can I make our school toilets MHM friendly? Separate boys and girls toilets. Make sure there is a door, a wall or a fence Throw your menstrual pads in the waste bin provided PRIVACY Remember to clean your urine if you have messed up the toilet seat Flush or pour water in the toilet ball to let faeces and urine pass away Mop any water that has spilt in or on the toilet FLUSH TOILETS If you have messed the area around the toilet hole with urine, sweep it with the toilet broom, clean it with water If faeces is on the toilet floor, pour sand on it and sweep it in the hole Mop any water that has spilt on the toilet floor Throw your menstrual pads in the waste bin provided PIT LATRINES What things make a Good WASH room? Bucket and basin in girls’ toilet Water must be available for girls to clean and wash. Soap is needed to wash away germs. Privacy is important for a girl to feel comfortable to change her menstrual material. Waste bin should be present to discard of disposable sanitary wear. Objective: To educate pupils on MHM #12 QUIZ- MHM QUESTIONS
OBJECTIVE Provide knowledge about different types of menstrual hygiene products available, how to use and how to dispose of menstrual hygiene items. GUIDANCE NOTES MODULE 3 MENSTRUAL HYGIENE MATERIAL AND DISPOSAL MATERIALS #13 : Checklist Care and Disposal of used Menstrual Material Disposable Menstrual Pad Washable Menstrual Pad Menstrual Cup Tampons Tool # 13 will be used as a teaching aid to girls only. a) You will arrange to meet with a group of girls and carry along kit containing the following items: b) With each sample use the checklist to describe how to care for it c) You can also ask the girls to find out if they are familiar with the items and what they have done in the past to care for the used items.
Objective: To educate pupils on how to care for and dispose of used menstrual material #13 CHECKLIST -CARE AND DISPOSAL OF USED MENSTRUAL MATERIAL Target & User : Girls only Disposable MenstrualPad Usage: Pad should be placed comfortably on the pant in a position to properly collect blood. Pad should be changed after a few (4-6hours) hours to avoid staining and bad smell. If blood flow is heavy change the pad often. Disposal: Wrap the pad in a piece of paper. To make it more sanitary and help keep odors contained. At school, pads should be thrown in a bin and the school will burn the used pads. Throwing pads in the pit latrine can make the pit fill up quickly. Throwing pads in a flush toilet can cause blockages in the pipes.
#13 CHECKLIST -CARE AND DISPOSAL OF USED MENSTRUAL MATERIAL Washable MenstrualPad Usage: Simply place a reusable pad into your underwear like you would a disposable pad. Instead of the kind of adhesive you find on disposable pads, reusable pads are fastened around your underwear with poppers, clips or velcro. You can use reusable pads with the underwear you normally wear during your period. A tight fit is usually best, though. Reusable pads can be used roughly the same amount of time as disposable pads, so you’ll probably need 1 pad every 4 hours or so, depending on flow. You’ll probably find that you need to change reusable pads less frequently, as they’re more absorbent than standard disposable pads. Washable menstrual pads can be composted at the end of their life. Cut out the poppers, clips or velcro in the wings of the pad. Cut and the sewn edges of the pad and separate the cotton layers. The layers may vary from pad to pad. Take out the waterproof PUL/TPU layer. Cut the layers of cotton into smaller pieces and compost. Disposal:
#13 CHECKLIST -CARE AND DISPOSAL OF USED MENSTRUAL MATERIAL MenstrualCup How to put in your menstrual cup: Wash your hands thoroughly. Apply water or a water-based lube to the rim of the cup. Tightly fold the menstrual cup in half, holding it in one hand with the rim facing up. Insert the cup, rim up, into your vagina like you would a tampon without an applicator. It should sit a few inches below your cervix Once the cup is in your vagina, rotate it. It will spring open to create an airtight seal that stops leaks. Wash your hands thoroughly. Place your index finger and thumb into your vagina. Pull the stem of the cup gently until you can reach the base. Pinch the base to release the seal and pull down to remove the cup. Once it’s out, empty the cup into the sink or toilet. How to take your menstrual cup out: Reusable menstrual cups should be washed and wiped clean before being reinserted into your vagina. Your cup should be emptied at least twice a day. Reusable menstrual cups are durable and can last for 6 months to 10 years with proper care. Cup After Care:
Tampon #13 CHECKLIST -CARE AND DISPOSAL OF USED MENSTRUAL MATERIAL Usage: Tampons should be inserted in the vagina with the string hanging out. The string helps you pull out the tampon when it’s full. A tampon should be changed every few hours (4-6hours) depending on the blood flow Disposal: Never flush tampons down the toilet. Wrap the tampon in a piece of toilet paper to prevent blood from dripping everywhere and protect your hands from touching the blood on the tampon. Place it in the garbage.
OBJECTIVE Provide knowledge on accidents or incidents that may happen during menstruating and how to handle menstrual accidents. GUIDANCE NOTES MODULE 4 MENSTRUAL ACCIDENT MATERIALS Managing Stains and Leaks Making Washable Pads Zipper bag and other toiletry bags #14 #15 #16 : : : Checklist DIY Checklist Girls are usually scared and embarrassed when they experience menstrual accidents. Therefore, Tool #14 - Checklist on Managing Leaks and Stains is designed to help the girls on how best to deal with a menstrual accident. Tool #14 can also be used by MHM Focal Points or Teachers to educate boys on how they can support girls who experience menstrual accidents. The checklist on managing leaks and stains is best used in a classroom setting where both boys and girls are present.
Boys & Girls What is a Menstrual Accident? A girl starts her first period The material is not absorbent enough A very heavy menstrual flow A menstrual accident happens when a girl unknowingly stains her dress with menstrual blood. It can happen to any girl! It can happen when: What do I do if my fellow pupil has a menstrual accident? Do not laugh at her because it is not deliberate and this will make her feel bad. Politely pull her to the side and whisper to her that she has a stain on her dress. Girls Only What should I do if I have a menstrual accident? Do not panic Cover the leak with something, seek for someone you are comfortable with who will give you a pad. What do I do if my fellow pupils tease me? Remind yourself that many people have periods and it is completely normal. Objective: To help pupils to handle menstrual accidents at school. #14 CHECKLIST -WHATEVERYPUPIL MUST KNOWABOUT MANAGING STAINS AND LEAKS Target & User : Boy and Girl Pupils
Needle and thread Fleece like material or T-Shirt material Chitenge or cotton fabric or towel Button or Velcro Scissors Marker Plastic 100% cotton fabrics such as old towels, sheets, pajamas, t-shirts, cotton flannel, or hemp, anything you feel is comfortable, soft, and gentle next to your skin This is a fun activity that is designed to teach pupils how to make their own washable pads. The Tool includes instructions on how to make a washable pad designs. Do a group activity that consist of maximum 10 pupils. Give them the time period which they are able to make the pads. May assist them if needed. You will need to prepare and ensure that all the items needed for sewing the washable pad are contained in the sewing kit as listed below: Other suggested materials that can be used are: GUIDANCE NOTES How to use Tool #14: DIY Washable Pads
Use the template to cut two pieces out of cotton flannel. This will be the exterior of your cloth pad, so choose something that you like! Cut a vertical slit in the middle of the piece. Make sure that you are only cutting through one layer of fabric, not both. Position the slit right in the middle #14 DIY- MAKINGWASHABLEPADS Create your template on a sheet of card as a base. Begin with a diamond shape that has rounded edges. It needs to be it about 9 inches high and 8 inches wide. Cut the template out when you are done Sew the two pieces together with your chosen sides facing out. Pin the two pieces together first, with the right sides facing in. You do not need to leave a gap for turning because you will be cutting a slit into it.
Topstitch around the top of the pad base. Backstitch at the start and end of your sewing, then trim the excess threads of as close to the fabric as you can. You will need 3 to 4 pieces of soft toweling. Use the template to trace two more pieces out of flannel; this time, add a ¼-inch seam allowance. The toweling will make the liner. The flannel will make the liner cover #14 DIY- MAKINGWASHABLEPADS urn the piece right-side out through the slit. Use your fingers to push the corners of the pad through the slit that you cut. If the edges/corners didn't turn out all, push them out with a pencil or knitting needle. Create your template on another sheet of cardstock. Begin with a vertical rectangle that has a rounded top and bottom. Make the rectangle about 8 inches high, and 2½ inches wide. Cut the template out when you are done. Use the template to trace the liner pieces.
Sew the flannel pieces together to make the liner cover. Pin the flannel pieces together with the right sides facing in. Do not leave a gap for turning. You will be cutting a slit into the piece instead. Simply slip the towel liner through the slit, and into the flannel cover. Smooth out any bumps or buckles #14 DIY- MAKINGWASHABLEPADS Stack and sew the toweling pieces together Go around the edge of the piece using a zigzag stitch. Do not include the two flannel pieces in this stack. The color of the thread does not matter Cut a vertical slit into the liner cover, then turn it right-side-out. Use the same technique as you did for the pad base. This time, make the slit about 4 inches tall. This will give you enough space to tuck the towel lining instead. Tuck the towel liner into the flannel liner.
Topstich around the liner to secure it to the pad base. Pin the flannel pieces together with the right sides facing in. Do not leave a gap for turning. You will be cutting a slit into the piece instead. #14 DIY- MAKINGWASHABLEPADS Pin the pad liner on top of the pad base. Turn the pad base so that the longer axis is vertical, and the side with the slit is facing up. Place the pad liner on top, with the slit facing down. Make sure that it is centered and oriented vertically. Pin everything together when you are done. Sew another ½ inch inside the liner. Make sure that you are sewing ½ inch away from the topstitch and not the edge of the liner. This will help secure the liner further to the base and prevent buckling.
Use the liner Place the pad base flannel-side-down onto the seat of your underwear; make sure that the liner pad is facing up. Fold the wings under the seat of your underwear, then close the snaps. Depending on your flow, the liner should last 2 to 4 hours #14 DIY- MAKINGWASHABLEPADS Add some snaps or Velcro to the wings You can use sew-on snaps or the kind that you have to set with a tool. While it is convenient to apply, it does not last very long, and it will eventually come off.
The zipper bags and other alternatives storage bags. These are washable or dump wiped toiletry bags that can be used to carry clean and used pads. You can also use any plastic bags for storage while at school (although these should have plastic lining inside) GUIDANCE NOTES How to use Tool #15: Zipper bag and other toiletry bags #14 CHECKLIST -ZIPPER BAG AND OTHER TOILETRY BAGS Have two plastic bags for keeping the used pads and for the clean pads in the zipper bag. Place the used pad in one of the plastic bags and tie it tightly Place the tied plastic bag with used pad in the zipper / toiletry bag Usage: Always ensure that the bag is clean by wash with soapy water or wipe with wet tissue after disposal of pads / removing used reusable pads. Rinse in clean water and dry with a clean cloth - both inside and on the outer part. Air it on the line with the opening side facing downwards to ensure water drains out. Care: