Menstruation and period poverty as an obstacle for girls’ equal participation in education, Tanzania

Monthly menstruation can complicate participation and achievement for schoolgirls. On a global scale, and in Tanzania, school enrolment of girls and boys are becoming equal, or even in favour of girls. However, in contrast to many other countries, Tanzanian boys on average score better than girls on secondary school exams. We argue that menstrual health management (MHM) difficulties are probably a barrier to female participation and success in secondary education. Factors like cultural beliefs and taboos, poverty, inadequate infrastructure at school and at home, lack of pads, and of relevant knowledge, are challenging to girls who are pursuing an education and at the same time balancing norms and ideals of traditions and of modernity. We argue that knowledge and openness concerning menstrual health management is needed, and that the school has an essential part to play in this.