GIRLS HYGIENE IN SCHOOLS
According to Muvea (2011), the lack of safe, affordable, practical, and culturally relevant methods to address the physical, social, and mental impact of menstruation poses a significant challenge for teenage girls attending school in many impoverished nations. This challenge adversely affects well-being and hinders access to education. The absence of sanitary pads, clean restrooms, and an adequate water supply in most schools leads to girls avoiding school during their menstrual month, resulting in a negative impact on their learning.
Insufficient knowledge about menstrual hygiene, limited access to hygiene supplies, and inadequate WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) facilities in schools contribute to the difficulties faced by girls. They struggle with issues such as lack of awareness, inability to manage menstrual flow, and potential teasing by others, leading to stress, humiliation, embarrassment, confusion, and fear. These challenges significantly affect girls’ educational opportunities, resulting in absenteeism, distraction, reduced school attendance, and academic lag (UNICEF, 2013).
GIRLS ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE
In Bolivia, despite recent advancements in improving WASH facilities in schools, existing education and healthcare policies lack explicit provisions for menstrual hygiene (UNESCO, 2012). A study in Kenya revealed a link between the absence of sanitary pads, inadequate washroom facilities, lack of clean water, and insufficient reproductive health education, causing girls to miss more than 3.5 school days per month (Kenyan Ministry of Education, 2007). South Sudan faces a broader challenge beyond education, necessitating access to menstrual hygiene essentials, secure restrooms, clean water, soap, and proper waste disposal systems for the well-being of academic staff and students. Unfortunately, school hygiene in South Sudan has received minimal attention in national development discussions, lacking political and public support, legislative and policy guidelines, optimal technology choices, efficient resource allocation, and collaboration among stakeholders (Ministry of Health, 2012).
The statement of the problem highlights a significant issue in South Sudan, where girls are more likely than boys to miss classes in secondary schools, with over 73 percent of school-age females experiencing irregular attendance in 2018, according to the United Nations. This places the country’s education statistics among the most concerning globally.
Washroom Facilities on Girls’ School Attendance
A critical determinant influencing the academic success of female students is hygiene. Sanitation systems, including toilets, drainage systems, sewage management, and waste disposal, are integral components. Inadequate sanitary infrastructure in schools can impede the academic progress of female pupils, as noted by Kassimoto (2008), who highlighted the correlation between subpar restroom facilities and underperformance among girls. Beyond academic hindrances, this issue also restricts girls from fully exercising their right to education.
Hygiene is a pivotal factor affecting the academic performance of girls, encompassing essential components like toilets, drainage systems, sewage management, and waste disposal. A deficient sanitation infrastructure in schools, as emphasized by Kassimoto (2008), can lead to underperformance among female students. This not only impedes academic success but also limits girls’ access to education.
Schools exhibit distinct characteristics that differentiate them, influencing interactions and practices. Kunje, Selemani-Meke, and Ogawa (2009) argue that school cultures often involve gender segregation, reflecting broader societal structures. This is evident in areas such as restroom facilities, where women may not receive equitable priority. In contemporary education systems, this disparity significantly impacts girls’ attendance rates, hindering their educational access.
In many underprivileged nations, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, girls’ education is not prioritized. Disparities in toilet facilities contribute to lower attendance among girls in impoverished areas compared to affluent suburbs. India, with a high percentage of schools lacking restrooms, also faces challenges with low female school attendance.
Sanitary Ware on Girls’ School Attendance
The academic success of students is closely tied to their school attendance. Ahmed (2008) emphasizes that educational shortcomings can lead to a shortage of skilled workers in science and technology fields in Nigeria, impacting the nation’s goal of becoming one of the top 20 industrialized countries by 2020.
Byoung-suk’s study (2012) underscores the importance of providing children with a secure and engaging environment for optimal growth and learning. The physical school environment, including schoolyards and commuting routes, plays a crucial role in child development. The strategic location of schools, encompassing curriculum, instructional methods, and interpersonal relationships, significantly influences students’ performance.
The location of schools is a key factor in shaping students’ performance, affecting aspects like curriculum and interpersonal relationships. Lyons (2012) emphasizes the importance of studying site selection and its impact on academic performance, providing valuable information for educational authorities to make informed decisions about school placement and size.
The 2012 World Bank Guidelines stress the need to consider the school environment when constructing educational facilities. A comprehensive analysis of factors such as site selection, facility design, teacher characteristics, and student demographics is crucial for informed decision-making in both urban and rural areas.
Girls school attendance
Menstruation poses a significant challenge for adolescent girls in Kenya, leading to a substantial loss of learning days. Limited access to culturally appropriate menstrual management methods not only compromises girls’ sexual and reproductive health but also hinders their education.
The absence of sanitary pads leads to extended school absences, negatively impacting education quality, academic performance, and retention rates for girls. Initiatives such as the National Sanitary Towels Program in Kenya aim to address this issue and reduce absenteeism, contributing to better self-esteem and participation among girls.
Puberty stage
Puberty, a transformative phase in students’ lives, can impact school attendance, especially for girls. Education about puberty, integrated into comprehensive sexuality education, is crucial for preparing learners for these changes. Creating safe and clean educational environments is essential, aligning with the concept of a health-promoting school.
Addressing menstruation in public settings like classrooms is challenging, especially in low-income countries where many girls lack understanding about puberty. Schools play a vital role in providing this education, complementing parents’ efforts to broach sensitive topics.
