Menstrual Hygiene Management Toolkit

Menstrual hygiene management (MHM) is an important component of a “WASH-Friendly School.” As a new concept in schools, the USAID-funded Schools Promoting Learning Achievement through Sanitation and Hygiene (SPLASH) project and Zambia’s Ministry of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education (MESVTEE) are offering various kinds of support to teachers to establish MHM programs and facilities to keep girls and female teachers in school.

This toolkit was designed to help teachers, school health and nutrition (SHN) coordinators, and other school personnel in Zambian primary schools to carry out MHM programs or activities in their school. It is organized into three sections:

• Basic information about puberty, menstruation, and MHM
• A checklist for schools to use to ensure that they have all the elements needed for a good MHM program  
• Interactive games and activities that will engage students to learn about MHM including an activity that shows students how they can make their own pads or sanitary towels

As MHM becomes more established in schools, better tools can be developed and integrated into this toolkit.