Menstrual hygiene implications for rural adolescent schoolgirls in Zimbabwe

Lack of adequate menstrual hygiene management (MHM) poses major challenges for adolescent girls in rural Zimbabwe, impacting their health, education, and psychosocial wellbeing. This participatory action research study utilised a critical emancipatory research paradigm to investigate MHM practices and challenges among schoolgirls in Zimbabwe. Data were collected from a rural school through personal interviews and focus group discussions, using purposive sampling of 20 girls. Thematic analysis revealed numerous socio-cultural, economic and infrastructural factors hindering girls’ ability to manage menstruation safely. Findings highlighted issues such as period poverty, lack of private sanitation facilities at schools, menstrual stigma, and gender norms dictating menstrual practices. Guided by the theory of change as a theoretical framework, the study recommendations emphasise the need for multi-level interventions spanning policy reforms, educational campaigns, affordable sanitary product distribution, and improved water and sanitation infrastructure. Empowering rural adolescent girls through participatory approaches is crucial for realising their rights to education, health, and overall wellbeing during menstruation. This research contributes to the growing body of literature advocating for comprehensive, context-specific strategies to achieve adequate MHM for all women and girls.