A DISCOURSE ON MHM (MENSTRUAL HYGIENE MANAGEMENT) POLICYMAKING: NAVIGATING WOMEN'S MOBILITY AND INCLUSIVITY IN PAKISTAN

Abstract

Women in Pakistan struggle with menstruation due to the inefficiency of menstrual hygiene management policies. This paper investigates such policies from 2018 to 2020 to analyze their formulation and compatibility with women's narratives. Interrogating how women's mobility and inclusivity affect the successful implementation of MHM policies. A thematic analysis was conducted based on an extensive literature review to explore the interconnectedness of MHM policymaking and women's visibility in public life. The results demonstrated that women's mobility and inclusivity are crucial for the effective implementation of menstrual hygiene policies. The findings revealed that a substantial percentage of women are made invisible during policymaking, including homemakers and those involved in informal sectors of employment, as well as the underrepresentation of women in politics, which ultimately contributes to the hindered inclusivity of MHM policies.

Additionally, immobility further aggravates the rural-urban division and supports educational marginalization and women’s low labor participation. Despite these significant factors, the policies (2018-2020) focused entirely on menstrual biological and hygienic aspects. This study specifically focuses on the sociological aspects of policy implementation. Therefore, it is recommended that the factor of inclusivity and women's mobility should be identified and accommodated, which also aligns with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), to establish future policies as diverse, effective, and sustainable.