By Joyce Ojanji
Thousands of women and girls in low- and middle-income countries are missing out on school, work, and social life every month due to menstruation, a new study published in The Lancet Global Health reveals.
The study, which analyzed data from over three million individuals across 44 countries, found that three in 20 women and girls (15%) are forced to withdraw from daily life each month due to their menstrual cycle.
The problem is most severe in South Asia, where 20% of women and girls miss out on daily activities due to their periods, followed closely by Central and West Africa, where the figure stands at 19%, with adolescent girls aged 15-19 being the most affected.
The researchers found that contraceptives, particularly hormonal methods, reduced the incidence of absenteeism across all age groups, indicating that menstrual symptoms such as heavy bleeding and pain play a significant role in these absences.
Despite assumptions that access to menstrual materials or household wealth might influence absenteeism, researchers found no such link.
” However, the study showed substantial variation in the findings across different settings and did not account for all factors that might influence rates of menstrual-related absences, such as stigma,” the authors noted.
These findings highlight the need for comprehensive policy interventions to address menstrual absenteeism. The variation in absenteeism rates across different settings suggests that factors such as stigma and cultural norms, which were not fully accounted for in the study, may also play a role.
Missing school or work due to menstruation, as the study demonstrates, undermines women’s and girls’ quality of life and perpetuates gender inequalities. It restricts their economic opportunities and educational growth, limiting their personal and professional growth.
With adolescent girls being the most affected group, the study raises serious concerns about the long-term impact on their future. Missing school for a few days each month can lead to lower academic performance, higher dropout rates, and ultimately, fewer career prospects. In workplaces, consistent absences can reduce productivity and hinder professional advancement, keeping women in a cycle of economic vulnerability.
According to the study authors, these findings present new evidence to inform future menstrual health research and public health interventions. The authors suggest the need for immediate and concrete action to improve the quality of life of menstruating women worldwide.
With these findings, policymakers must prioritize menstrual health as part of broader public health and gender equality initiatives. The study also underscores the need for future research to delve deeper into the causes and effects of menstrual absenteeism.
Also, as highlighted in the study, promoting the use of hormonal contraceptives could be explored as a potential solution to alleviate severe menstrual symptoms and reduce absenteeism because addressing this issue can empower women and girls, promote gender equality and improve the overall quality of life of menstruating individuals.
