National Workshop Champions Inclusive Menstrual Health and Hygiene(MHH) Toolkit in Humanitarian Settings
(Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 10 November 2023, PMC-E): Embarking on a transformative
journey, the Population Media Center Ethiopia (PMC-E) orchestrated two-day National Familiarization Workshop on the Inclusive Menstrual Health and Hygiene (MHH) Toolkit in Humanitarian Settings. This monumental event, held on November 8-9, 2023, dedicated itself to elevating the well-being, dignity, and empowerment of persons with disability, women and girls grappling with crisis situations.
Unveiling Neglected Realities:
The workshop brought to light the often-overlooked challenges surrounding menstrual health and hygiene in humanitarian settings. Persons with disability, women and girls facing crises navigate obstacles, including limited access to sanitary products and inadequate safe spaces for hygiene. The implementation and enforcement of an inclusive MHH toolkit emerged as a pivotal catalyst in drawing attention to these pressing issues.
Insights from UNICEF Ethiopia:
Laura Anquez, UNICEF Ethiopia’s WASH Cluster Coordinator, passionately highlighted the
natural essence of menstruation. Stressing the importance of dignified menstrual hygiene
management for the overall well-being of persons with disability, women and girls in humanitarian settings, Laura accentuated the role of the inclusive MHH toolkit in providing essential resources. She emphasized its capacity to reduce infection risks and promote better health outcomes, enabling persons with disability, women, and girls to fully participate in their daily activities.
A Unified Call for Collaboration:
Laura Anquez urged collaboration and robust coordination among government ministries and workshop participants for the seamless implementation of the toolkit. Participants were actively encouraged to voice concerns and contribute recommendations for the ongoing development and future steps of the MHH toolkit implementation. Laura stressed how best address and serve the people in disaster, outbreaks, emergency, and humanitarian situations. Emergency increase in complexity, scale and duration and need coordinated and integrated responses.
Championing Gender Equality and Mental Well-being:
Kalkidan Gugsa, WASH Social and Behavioral Change Specialist at UNICEF Ethiopia, underscored the toolkit’s pivotal role in advancing gender equality. She passionately asserted that the implementation of an inclusive MHH toolkit breaks down gender-related barriers, creating an environment that prioritizes the needs of every individual. Kalkidan also shed light on the mental
health impact of menstrual health challenges, emphasizing the toolkit’s comprehensive support as
a positive influence. She also highlighted the development process of the toolkit, and engaging
federal ministries, Gender and Disability emergency WASH Cluster, and partners who are engaging on humanitarian settings. She obliged the MHH Toolkit will serve in emergency MHH
programming implementation.
PMC-E’s Gratitude and Participant Reflections:
PMC-E expressed heartfelt gratitude to all attendees, recognizing their pivotal role in shaping the
outcomes of the toolkit for persons with disability, women, and girls in humanitarian settings.
Participants engaged in open dialogue, reflecting on the significance of the Inclusive MHH
Toolkit and sharing their concerns.
Global Standards and Dignity Commitment:
Numerous participants highlighted the alignment of including menstrual health and hygiene in humanitarian response with international standards for gender-responsive humanitarian action. This commitment reflects a dedication to upholding the rights and dignity of all individuals, irrespective of gender.
In conclusion, the implementation of the Inclusive Menstrual Health and Hygiene Toolkit in
humanitarian settings is not just imperative but transformative. This initiative spearheads a
comprehensive and inclusive approach to humanitarian response, addressing a critical aspect of
reproductive health that has long been overlooked.
Collaborative Effort for Lasting Change:
The National Familiarization Workshop on Inclusive Menstrual Health and Hygiene Toolkit in humanitarian settings was a harmonious collaboration, hosted by PMC-E in partnership with UNICEF. The diverse assembly, including representatives from key ministries and stakeholders, actively engaged in spirited discussions and reflections, paving the way for the integration of the
toolkit into WASH programs.
