In our exploration of menstrual hygiene management (MHM) and its impact on women's empowerment, education, economic opportunities, and overall well-being, Athena Infonomics is driven by the conviction that every woman and girl deserves to manage their menstruation safely, hygienically, and with dignity, free from societal barriers and discrimination.  

Recognizing the interconnectedness of menstrual health with socioeconomic factors, our holistic approach addresses root causes, considering dimensions such as poverty, education, and access to healthcare.  

Athena Infonomics excels in applying rigorous social science research methods, utilizing globally benchmarked techniques for assessing initiative impacts through both experimental and non-experimental research designs. Our proficiency in mixed and multi-method research allows us to collect quantitative and qualitative data, tailoring interventions to meet the specific needs and cultural nuances of the communities we serve. Our inclusive stakeholder engagement ensures culturally sensitive interventions aligned with local realities.

Employing digital strategies, including data science and tools, ensures efficient progress tracking and actionable insights cost-effectively, making Athena Infonomics the ideal partner for conducting thorough evaluations and monitoring menstrual hygiene initiatives throughout their lifecycle.

Athena Infonomics, in partnership with Emory University under subcontract to Tetra Tech, is supporting USAID's WASHPaLS program to identify and field-test a set of metrics on menstrual needs, practices/behaviors, attitudes, and social norms relating to MHM in the workplace. Utilizing a detailed literature review and a robust data-collection tool, this work provides several scales that assess various workplace-relevant issues (e.g., management, pain, norms, etc.) to increase the likelihood of identifying valid and reliable measures suitable for integration into national surveys and appropriate for global monitoring.

You can access the detailed report here  

Currently, Athena Infonomics is actively involved in a baseline assessment that addresses India's water, sanitation, and hygiene challenges, with a significant focus on MHM. Athena’s role involves improving knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to menstruation, enhancing infrastructure, and access to MHM products. The overall aim is to contribute to positive transformations in the MHM, mobilizing communities to create supportive environments, addressing gender inequality, and promoting health-seeking behavior.

Here are seven key takeaways on the most crucial factors impacting MHM based on our work:

1. Improving knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to menstrual hygiene through awareness campaigns and educational programs.
2. Ensuring access to safe, hygienic menstrual products and supportive infrastructure in schools and public spaces.
3. Addressing socio-cultural norms and taboos through community mobilization, engaging all community members, and influential leaders.
4. Empowering women and girls through education and agency over their bodies.
5. Promoting gender equality and reducing inequalities faced by menstruators.
6. Enhancing health-seeking behavior and reducing menstruation-related health issues through improved access to information and healthcare services.
7. Facilitating educational continuity and economic opportunities by minimizing absenteeism and enabling full participation in society.

Our commitment to MHM is driven by the core values of promoting inclusivity, challenging discriminatory norms, and advocating for the rights of marginalized communities. We believe that every menstruating individual deserves to manage their menstruation safely, hygienically, and with dignity, free from shame or societal barriers.

‍

This project was taken up by our MEL Team. For more information about Athena and MEL projects, please contact Anupama Ramaswamy.

‍