A visit to a region in crisis
- Unfortunately, I didn’t find much hope among the people I spoke to in this vulnerable and troubled region. It was all the more heartening, however, to see at first hand how our colleagues and partners are…
How NCA Works With Menstruation
Having the period can be so difficult for many girls that they miss school several days. With access to pads, water, and toilets, everything can change. Here you can learn about how NCA supports girls and women during menstruation.
Through support from NCA and our partners, women and girls sew reusable pads that are sold, providing income. Here, one of our staff, Matiwos Meselu shows an example in Gambella, Ethiopia. Photo: Håvard Bjelland
Menstruation is a natural part of being a girl or woman – yet it can create enormous limitations in women’s lives.
But simple measures can make a huge difference. That is why this is one of the core areas of Norwegian Church Aid work, both in emergency relief during crises and in long-term development work.
Our water and hygiene adviser Michele Vecchi explains how Norwegian Church Aid works with menstruation to ensure good health, dignity, and development.
What can be difficult about having menstruation?
“Girls and women face multiple constraints when managing their menstruation,” explains Michele Vecchi, thematic adviser on water, sanitation, and hygiene at Norwegian Church Aid.
Lack of pads and tampons is an obvious problem in many places.
“Disposable pads and tampons are not easily available, especially in small village shops, and even when they are, the cost may be a barrier — especially for girls who may not have access to money, even less than their mothers,” he says.
“Many therefore use alternatives such as old pieces of cloths, leaves, and the like. This may pose serious hygiene problems.”
In addition, many lack privacy and the possibility to wash themselves at home, school, or work. There is often a shortage of water and soap, and no private place to hang underwear to dry.
What are the consequences for girls and women when they lack access to pads, water, and other necessities?
“Often, if a woman or girl knows she will not find a suitable place to wash or change, she will prefer to stay at home. This means she loses productive days at school or work. If women or girls leave the house during menstruation without what the necessaries, they may be punished if they are considered ‘dirty’ or ‘improper.’ They may also be exposed to abuse if they cannot find a safe place to change or wash,” says Michele Vecchi.
How does NCA work to make menstruation easier for women and girls?
NCA works with menstruation in several ways:
- We distribute hygiene kits during humanitarian crises as part of emergency relief. The kits may include pads, soap, underwear, and towels.
- We help establish toilets, showers, and washing areas in households, ensuring privacy and comfort for women and girls. This is essential for dignity and for reducing the risk of abuse that can occur when they must seek hidden places outside the home to wash or relieve themselves.
- We construct washing facilities in institutions such as schools and health centers that are suitable for menstruation.
- We support women and girls in producing reusable cloth pads and soap, which can then be sold. This provides income while supplying essential items to girls and women.
- We provide information on reproductive health in schools and in dedicated women’s spaces.
Did you know that…
- 28 May is International Menstrual Hygiene Day, marked to spread knowledge, promote good menstrual hygiene, and break taboos.
- In 2024, more than 403,000 people gained access to sanitation services through NCA and our partners.
- NCA works to ensure fair and sustainable access to clean water, proper toilets, and hygiene for all. This is essential for achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals and securing the right to water and sanitation.
- Lack of good sanitation solutions affects school attendance, especially for girls. Women, girls, and marginalized groups are hit hardest—they face increased health risks, safety challenges, and extra time burdens.
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