Assessment of female students' perception on access and utilization of water and sanitation facilities for menstruation management in higher education institutions in Uganda

Abstract The main purpose of this study was to assess female students' perception of access and utilization of water and sanitation facilities for menstruation management in HEIs. A qualitative research design was embraced, and it was exploratory while gathering responses from the participating respondents using semi‐structured interviews, focus group discussions and observation from course coordinators from six faculties, students guild leadership, and selected university managers who were purposively selected and regarded to be more knowledgeable with university affairs as far as learners' social welfare was concerned. The study found that many students did not have adequate access to water and sanitation facilities for menstruation management. They also lack adequate menstrual hygiene management education and their rights to sanitation and water facilities for menstruation management in terms of the menstrual cycle, the importance of washing body parts, and the issue of stigma during the menstruation period. The study recommended that the Directorate of Gender at the university should review and work very closely with the Department of Estates and Works to improve the maintenance and provision of water and sanitation facilities for menstruation management.