Approach and Methodology

After the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, the most vulnerable group in the country is believed to be women and girls. Hence, the project aimed to provide enough opportunities for girls to their self-awareness, the period cycle (menstruation), and precautions from serious illness caused by lack of hygiene.

This project was executed over four three-month periods, with each period involving one month of implementation. In each period we targeted 50 women and girls who had been excluded from school and university, hailed from impoverished families, or were disabled.

To ensure compliance with the restrictions imposed by the Taliban government in Afghanistan, the training program was conducted in a secure and protected location.

The implementation phase of the project commenced with the recruitment of necessary personnel, procurement of health materials, preparation of educational resources, preparation of a safe venue for the training, and selection of participants followed by training day and preparation of the report.

Historically, reports on women’s healthcare in Afghanistan have predominantly focused on the barriers arising from the conflict. However, additional obstacles such as poverty, cultural norms, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, and lack of knowledge further hinder women’s access to healthcare services. With a significant portion of the population living below the poverty line, many women in the country continue to face challenges in obtaining essential healthcare. Overcoming each of these obstacles is crucial to improve healthcare outcomes for women.

Adolescents, constituting a considerable percentage of the population, encounter considerable challenges in fulfilling their sexual and reproductive health requirements. Afghanistan ranks poorly on the Gender Inequality Index, indicating substantial disparities in economic activity, women’s empowerment, and reproductive health. These disparities limit the potential of Afghan women and contribute to a high maternal mortality rate.

The project also aimed to highlight the discrimination and exclusion faced by women and girls in Afghanistan due to menstruation. The normalization of menstruation and the promotion of good menstrual hygiene practices were central objectives. Ensuring access to affordable menstrual hygiene products and proper sanitary facilities remains a serious concern. Cost, social norms, and limited availability hinder access to necessary equipment and supplies. Open and effective communication about menstruation is important, and conducting training sessions and public awareness programs can significantly increase women’s knowledge of feminine hygiene and emphasize its importance.

In Afghanistan, where female literacy rates are low, efforts to improve literacy and education are essential. Bridging the significant gender gap in literacy requires targeted initiatives to enhance female literacy rates.
The recent political developments, including the prohibition on female education and the closure of educational institutions, have further affected women and girls in Afghanistan. Harmful gender norms, child marriage, poverty, child labor, safety concerns, lack of female teachers, and inadequate school infrastructure continue to hinder women’s and girls’ education.

The Her Hygiene Project specifically targeted vulnerable women and girls who have been excluded from educational opportunities. By providing them with knowledge about women’s health issues, menstrual hygiene, and access to sanitary materials, the project aimed to empower these girls and mitigate the serious health risks associated with poor hygiene practices.

In conclusion, the Her Hygiene Project strived to address the multifaceted challenges faced by women in Afghanistan by raising awareness, promoting education, improving access to healthcare, and challenging harmful gender norms. By focusing on these critical objectives, the project aimed to contribute to the betterment of women’s lives and enhance their overall well-being and health in Afghanistan.