Title:
Struggling in Silence: The Untold Stories of Menstruators in Conflicted-Affected Areas in Sudan
Authors:
Tageldin, Marwa Mohamed Hassan
Place:
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Year:
2023
PAGE:
61
Language:
En
Subject:
Health and Poverty
Keywords:
Menstruator, Menstrual Experience, Menstrual Health, Armed Conflict, Sudan
Abstract:
Introduction Sudan is a politically unstable country with a long history of armed conflicts and a recent outburst of conflict displacing many. Conflicts have a toll on individuals’ health and well-being, yet little is captured on the effects of conflicts on menstrual experiences. This study aims to study how conflicts might affect menstrual health by studying menstruators’ experiences, the role of social and community factors, as well as service provision in trying to meet menstruators’ needs in conflict-affected settings. Methodology A literature review was conducted of peer-reviewed and grey literature from Sudan and similar contexts between 2003 and 2023. Data was abstracted from VU electronic library, Google Scholars search engine, and humanitarian agencies websites, among others. The Menstrual Health framework was used to guide and answer the research objectives. Results Social norms and taboos restrict menstrual health and hygiene management, and armed conflict further limits access to acceptable menstrual resources and services. Despite having access to interventions targeted to menstrual needs, menstruators didn’t utilise these services and products unless they were culturally appropriate. Humanitarian interventions often focus on products and sanitation solutions. Only a few were found to address knowledge needs and gender inequalities. Discussion To have effective humanitarian responses, menstruators need to be consulted and engaged in designing, implementing, and monitoring the interventions. Menstrual education, products, and infrastructure need to be addressed together while planning programs.
Organization:
KIT - Royal Tropical Institute , VU - Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Institute:
KIT (Royal Tropical Institute)
Country:
Sudan
Region:
Northeast Africa
Training:
Master of Science in Public Health
Category:
Research
Right:
@ 2023 Tageldin
Document type:
Thesis/dissertation
File:
xZn0RFmZ1h_20231122134042268.pdf