This course explores menstruation as a global public health, gender equality, and human rights issue. It is designed as a self-paced online course for learners interested in menstrual health and hygiene, including public health professionals, development and humanitarian practitioners, policymakers, students, advocates, and anyone seeking to better understand the global menstrual equity movement.
A central focus of the course is menstrual health and hygiene (MHH) in policy and practice. Learners examine the key concepts, evidence, and research gaps that shape the field, while also exploring how stigma, social norms, poverty, and unequal access affect the experiences of girls, women, and people who menstruate. Much of the course is organized around the three pillars of MHH programming: materials and supplies, sanitation facilities, and information.
Through lectures, case studies, and examples from global experts, participants learn about MHH programming across different contexts, including schools, low-resource settings, and humanitarian emergencies, with particular emphasis on the needs of low-income and vulnerable populations. The course also looks at research methods, monitoring, advocacy, and policy efforts, including work to address period poverty, menstrual stigma, new legislation, and the need for more inclusive approaches.
Overall, the course equips learners with a practical foundation for understanding menstruation in a global context and responding to menstrual health and hygiene needs through research-informed, inclusive, and rights-aware practice. It is especially relevant for people working in public health, gender equality, WASH, humanitarian response, education, policy, advocacy, and related fields.
