Water and sanitation facilities for menstruation management by female students in higher educational institutions. A case of Kyambogo University

Abstract

This study focuses on the status of water and sanitation facilities for menstruation management in Higher Education Institutions. The study addressed three objectives namely; I .To assess the status of water and sanitation facilities for menstruation management by female students in HEI. 2. To examine the integration of water and sanitation facilities for menstruation management in the planning and budgeting processes in HEI. 3. To assess female students' perceptions towards access and utilization of water and sanitation facilities for menstruation management in HEI. The study employed a descriptive survey research design with qualitative methods of data collection and analysis. The methods included: in-depth individual interviews, Key Informant Interviews, Focus Group Discussions, observation and documentary analysis. Data was collected from 52 participants who comprised of 05 top management officials and 47 female students who included Student Course Coordinators and Guild Officials. The findings of the study were that, first; the status of water and sanitation facilities in Kyambogo University is poor, inaccessible, unavailable and unusable by female students during menstruation. Secondly, the findings revealed that there is limited engagement of female students and administrators in the budgeting and planning of water and sanitation facilities for menstruation management by the Estates Department. Moreover, the generic budget does not adequately cover all the requirements for menstruation management by female students. Thirdly, findings also revealed that female students perceive water and sanitation facilities for menstruation management as generally available but inaccessible and unacceptable in various ways. The conclusion drawn is that the study generates knowledge about the status of water and sanitation facilities for menstruation management to enable female students participate in academic activities in Higher Education Institutions. Among recommendations made were; The Directorate of planning and development at KyU should promote a participatory and gender- equity inclusive plan and budget that ensures that water and sanitation facilities for menstruation management becomes an integral aspect in planning and budgeting processes of the Estates department. The university should equitably improve the current status of water and sanitation facilities for menstruation management by providing water in toilet rooms include changing rooms, replacement of broken doors to provide privacy and other required facilities to enhance effective menstruation management.