More than a monthly cycle: Why menstrual health is a human right

In Madagascar, the KILONGA project worked with 250 schools to improve menstrual health through clean restrooms, locally produced reusable pads, and training for  “Young Girl Leaders” who can help break down stigma among their peers. The results caught the attention of the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL), a world-renowned research institute founded by Nobel Prize-winning economists Abhijit Banerjee and Esther Duflo.

Researchers found that the project did more than improve access to menstrual supplies. It helped reduce the daily stress girls experienced around menstruation and supported stronger school outcomes