Project Summary:
This implementation research aims to improve menstrual health among women of reproductive age in rural Matiari by combining structured training with practical skills for preparing safe, reusable sanitary pads. The study responds to persistent gaps in menstrual knowledge, limited access to affordable products, socio-cultural taboos, and inadequate sanitation infrastructure that contribute to unhygienic menstrual practices, reproductive tract infections, and reduced participation in education, work, and daily life.
Using a mixed-method pre- and post-training design, the project will measure changes in sanitary pad use and menstrual health knowledge through cross-sectional surveys, while qualitative interviews with women and key stakeholders will explore feasibility, acceptability, and the broader social and behavioral impacts of the intervention. The study builds on global evidence linking improved menstrual health with enhanced well-being, gender equity, and socio-economic participation.
By generating context-specific evidence and identifying practical implementation considerations, the project aims to inform scalable menstrual health programs for low-resource settings in Pakistan and similar LMIC contexts.