A Guide to Success: Menstrual Health in Management Côte d’Ivoire
By: Grace Anarfi Wadieh
“Menstrual health is not only a matter of hygiene, but also a matter of dignity, equity and human rights.” Menstrual Health Management (MHM) remains a critical component of gender equity and public health, yet it is often overlooked in policy and legal frameworks. In Côte d’Ivoire, efforts to address menstrual health have emerged through multisectoral initiatives, particularly in education, health and gender equality. Although the legal framework is still developing, the country is taking promising steps toward ensuring access to menstrual products, information, and services for all.
When it comes to the legal framework and policy progress, Côte d’Ivoire has no comprehensive national legislation dedicated exclusively to menstrual health. However, MHM is addressed through health, education and gender-related strategies. One of the key policy tools is the “Guide de santé et hygiène menstruelles” (Menstrual Health and Hygiene Guide), developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education and UNICEF. This guide is designed to train educators, health workers and community leaders in best practices for menstrual health awareness and management, particularly in schools. The National Gender Policy and the Education Sector Plan (PSE) also recognize the importance of reproductive and menstrual health as part of achieving gender parity in access to education and health services.
The Guide de santé et hygiène menstruelles has also made strides in improving MHM education across the country. Schools are encouraged to integrate menstrual health into their health education curricula, though implementation varies. Peer education models and community outreach programs are active in several regions, supported by organizations like the Ivorian Red Cross, UNICEF and Water Aid. Unfortunately, stigma and misinformation around menstruation persist, often fueled by cultural taboos. A more consistent and rights-based approach to MHM education is needed to ensure that all children especially girls receive accurate, shame-free information about their bodies.
One main issue around MHM is that while menstrual products are typically commercially available in urban supermarkets, pharmacies and some rural shops, there is no specific law mandating the availability, accessibility and affordability of these in Côte d’Ivoire, Therefore, high product costs, especially in rural areas, continue to limit access, with many girls and women resorting to homemade alternatives. To bridge this gap, civil society groups such as Yerhe and Arc-en-Ciel du Bonheur promote reusable pads and provide free or low-cost menstrual kits in schools and underserved communities and international partners have led pilot distribution programs in schools and health centers, often in conjunction with sexual and reproductive health education. While some of these programs are promising, they are not yet supported by a national MHM policy or recurring government funding.
Another issue around menstrual products is sustainability. Most available menstrual products are disposable and there is limited access to eco-friendly or reusable alternatives, such as menstrual cups or cloth pads. Waste management infrastructure is also underdeveloped, especially in rural and peri-urban areas, raising concerns about environmental impact. Some NGOs have introduced reusable pad initiatives, coupled with local production models that empower women economically. These programs represent a promising path toward sustainable MHM practices, though they require stronger government support to scale.
The persisting issues and gaps suggest that it is important to involve the menstruators in the decision-making process when it comes to MHM. Currently, there is no formal legal requirement for participatory consultation in workplaces or schools on menstrual health issues. However, some schools have piloted girls’ clubs and student feedback mechanisms to inform improvements in sanitation and hygiene services. The Ministry of Education has also started consulting girls in some policy discussions related to school WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) programming. More efforts are needed to ensure that the voices of menstruating individuals especially marginalized and rural girls are heard in policy and infrastructure decisions that affect their health and dignity.
While Côte d’Ivoire’s Constitution guarantees the right to health, there is no legal avenue specifically designed to claim rights violations related to menstrual health. Complaint mechanisms exist in the health and education sectors but are not tailored to MHM concerns. Stakeholders including civil society and development partners—are advocating for clearer accountability structures to ensure dignity and access for all menstruating persons.
To ensure true progress, the Côte d’Ivoire must:
- Recognize MHM as a human right in law and policy.
- Provide subsidized or free menstrual products in schools and health facilities.
- Ensure access to accurate, stigma-free menstrual health education.
- Establish participatory and inclusive policy-making platforms.
- Support sustainable product alternatives and invest in waste management solutions.
- Create legal pathways to claim menstrual health-related violations.
The Côte d’Ivoire is at a pivotal moment. By integrating MHM into its national health and education strategies and recognizing it as a human right, the country can empower millions of girls and women, improve public health and strengthen gender equality.
