Trialing Menstrual Hygiene Management Products in High Severity Contexts

WHAT HUMANITARIAN NEED IS BEING ADDRESSED?

The humanitarian need being addressed is the significant gap in MHM in high severity contexts. In many challenging environments, women and girls face barriers to accessing quality MHM products, impacting their health, dignity, and participation in societal activities. This lack of access is often compounded by cultural taboos and a shortage of suitable, affordable solutions. The project's aim is to address these issues by providing innovative, low-cost, and culturally sensitive MHM products. By doing so, we sought to improve the overall well-being of women and girls, challenging societal norms and enhancing their ability to fully engage in their communities.

WHAT APPROACH WAS TAKEN TO BUILD EVIDENCE, AND HOW DID IT SUPPORT SCALING?

We conducted baseline and endline surveys with 750 women and girls and 167 men across CAR and Mali to evaluate the desirability, effectiveness, and cultural appropriateness of Reemi’s reusable MHM products. Feedback was collected through structured surveys, focus groups, and education session participation lists. Data revealed a 98.7% intention to continue using the products, high willingness to pay, reduced reported infections, and decreased stigma. Education sessions, including those involving men in CAR and Mali, provided insights into social dynamics and acceptance. These results informed ongoing scale-up by Reemi with partners in seven countries and are being synthesised into learning and research papers to support sector-wide uptake.

WHAT PROGRESS WAS ACHIEVED AND WHAT WERE THE KEY LEANRINGS?

More than 98% of users reported satisfaction and continued use. In CAR and Mali, male engagement was introduced for the first time, showing promising attitude shifts. Hygiene improved, stigma reduced, and participation in daily activities increased. Key challenges included flooding in Mali, delays in product delivery, and staff turnover. Lessons include the need for early investment in MEAL capacity, supply chain reliability, and more flexible timelines when trialling innovation in fragile settings.

FUTURE POTENTIAL AND LESSONS FOR INNOVATION

Reemi’s MHM products demonstrated adaptability across diverse humanitarian contexts. Future potential includes integration into standard humanitarian WaSH kits and scaling through local manufacturing where feasible. Key lessons include the importance of community-led design, culturally tailored education, and engaging men to shift harmful norms. Barriers such as cost, logistics, and policy gaps must be addressed through stronger advocacy, local partnerships, and funding. Further research and dissemination will support broader adoption, with upcoming presentations at sectoral conferences and plans for continued trials in new contexts.