Factors that Trigger Girls’ Absenteeism in School: An Analysis from Menstrual Health and Hygiene Management Study in Nepal

Menstrual taboos are common in many low and middle-income countries, including Nepal (University of Bath, Centre for Development Studies, 2019). Menstrual health and hygiene for girls is also a neglected topic. It was estimated that about 15 to 22 percent of girls missed school (S. B. Dhakal, 2018) due to menstruation, which directly affects their educational status. The adult literacy rate of females (15-24 years) stands at 82.7 as compared to 92.8 for males (The World Bank, 2019).

Existing studies are mostly descriptive in nature and limited in terms of sample size and geographical coverage. They also lack the analysis of factors associated with girls’ absenteeism in school during their menstrual period. This analysis conducted by World Vision highlights the concerning factors in the hope of informing future interventions for girls.