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A qualitative exploration of menstruation-related restrictive practices in Fiji, Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea

Author

Listed:
  • Yasmin Mohamed
  • Kelly Durrant
  • Chelsea Huggett
  • Jessica Davis
  • Alison Macintyre
  • Seta Menu
  • Joyce Namba Wilson
  • Mary Ramosaea
  • Michael Sami
  • Dani J Barrington
  • Donna McSkimming
  • Lisa Natoli

Abstract

Attitudes and beliefs about menstruation can place restrictions on menstruating women and girls, limiting their ability to fully participate in community life, education and employment. This paper presents evidence on menstruation-related beliefs contributing to restrictive practices in Papua New Guinea (PNG), Solomon Islands (SI) and Fiji. Focus group discussions and interviews were undertaken with 307 adolescent girls, women and men in a rural and urban site in each country. Data were analysed using an inductive thematic approach. Participants described a range of attitudes and beliefs that restrict the behaviour of menstruating women and girls. Themes include the belief that menstrual blood is ‘dirty’; that when menstruating, girls and women can bring ‘bad luck’ to men; secrecy and shame associated with menstruation; and beliefs about the impact of certain behaviours on menstruation and health. Restrictive practices were more frequently reported in PNG and SI than Fiji, and more common in rural compared with urban sites. Some restrictions, such as avoidance of household chores, were perceived as desirable or driven by women themselves. However participants identified other restrictions, such as not being able to attend church or hygienically wash menstrual hygiene materials, as unwanted, in some cases impacting on participation in school, work and community life. Education initiatives guided by women and girls, implemented by local stakeholders and grounded in a sound understanding of specific contexts are needed to address discriminatory attitudes and beliefs that contribute to unwanted restrictions, and to support enabling attitudes and beliefs regarding menstruation.

Suggested Citation

  • Yasmin Mohamed & Kelly Durrant & Chelsea Huggett & Jessica Davis & Alison Macintyre & Seta Menu & Joyce Namba Wilson & Mary Ramosaea & Michael Sami & Dani J Barrington & Donna McSkimming & Lisa Natoli, 2018. "A qualitative exploration of menstruation-related restrictive practices in Fiji, Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 13(12), pages 1-19, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0208224
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0208224
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Julie Hennegan & Paul Montgomery, 2016. "Do Menstrual Hygiene Management Interventions Improve Education and Psychosocial Outcomes for Women and Girls in Low and Middle Income Countries? A Systematic Review," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 11(2), pages 1-21, February.
    2. Emily Oster & Rebecca Thornton, 2012. "Determinants Of Technology Adoption: Peer Effects In Menstrual Cup Take-Up," Journal of the European Economic Association, European Economic Association, vol. 10(6), pages 1263-1293, December.
    3. Colin Sumpter & Belen Torondel, 2013. "A Systematic Review of the Health and Social Effects of Menstrual Hygiene Management," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 8(4), pages 1-15, April.
    4. Emily Oster & Rebecca Thornton, 2011. "Menstruation, Sanitary Products, and School Attendance: Evidence from a Randomized Evaluation," American Economic Journal: Applied Economics, American Economic Association, vol. 3(1), pages 91-100, January.
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    Cited by:

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    3. Czura, Kristina & Menzel, Andreas & Miotto, Martina, 2024. "Improved menstrual health and the workplace: An RCT with female Bangladeshi garment workers," Journal of Development Economics, Elsevier, vol. 166(C).
    4. Riad, Germeen & Forden, Carie, 2021. "“If we didn't talk, we would be like ostriches burying our heads in the sand”: Attitudes toward sexuality, gender, and sex education among child protection social workers in Egypt," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 129(C).

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