Peer-reviewed article
“The door has opened”: moving forward with menstrual health programming in Bangladesh
Siobhan Warrington, Mimi Coultas, Mitali Das, Effat Nur ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001This case study examines menstrual health programming in Bangladesh, where menstruation remains stigmatized and under-addressed despite being central to girls' health and rights. The research found that most menstrual health programs focus on hygiene education in schools, with limited community engagement or work with men and boys. While coordination among organizations has improved, the programming remains narrow and does not adequately address the wider gender equality and health implications of menstruation. The study identifies gaps and tensions in current approaches to menstrual health work in the country.
Key points
- Menstruation in Bangladesh is surrounded by stigma, silence, and shame
- School-based hygiene education is the most common entry point for menstrual health programming
- Community-level activities and engagement with men and boys remain limited
- Programming focus has been narrow, with insufficient attention to gender equality implications
- Growing efforts exist to coordinate menstrual health work and advocate for government engagement
Limitations
This case study is based on a non-systematic literature review and eight interviews, which limits the generalizability of findings. The research does not provide detailed quantitative data on the scale or reach of menstrual health programs in Bangladesh.
Abstract
Purpose In Bangladesh, as elsewhere, menstruation is surrounded by stigma, silence, and shame. Despite being a critical part of women’s and girls’ sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), it remains significantly under-researched and addressed. However, the focus on menstrual health (MH) programming is growing globally, with increased awareness of the importance of holistic and rights-based approaches. This case study aims to examine and reflect upon the MH landscape and programming in Bangladesh, assessing the progress, challenges, and potential ways forward. Design/methodology/approach This case study is based on a non-systematic review of recent global and national literature, eight semi-structured interviews, a review of national television adverts and the authors’ experiences of MH research and programming in Bangladesh. Findings Hygiene-based education delivered through schools is a common entry point for MH programming in Bangladesh, with limited activities conducted in communities (including with men and boys) and through media. The focus of MH programming has tended to be narrow, with insufficient recognition of the wider gender equality and health implications of menstruation. There are growing efforts to coordinate MH work by different agencies and to collectively advocate for increased government engagement. While significant progress has been made, this case study identifies several gaps and tensions that reflect the complexity of addressing MH. Originality/value This case study presents an overview of recent MH experiences and programming in Bangladesh. It recognises the different sectors, sites and stakeholders involved, and includes experiences and perspectives of practitioners, academics, and programme participants.