Menstrual health is an essential part of adolescent health and nutrition. Adolescence, from the age of 10-19, is the second largest developmental growth window after infancy. For girls in particular, the onset of periods brings a host of new realities to navigate that can have health, educational and social implications amongst others.

Below, we highlight five reasons integrating period empowerment in adolescent nutrition programming is fundamental.

1. Tackling iron-deficiency anaemia

When adolescent girls start their periods, they are at a higher risk of developing iron-deficiency anaemia. According to a study published in The Lancet, globally an estitmated 33.7% of girls and women aged 15-49 years were reported to be anaemic in 2021. Anaemia can result in low-energy, headaches, and difficulty concentrating amongst other ailments, with potential life-long impacts. The good news is that weekly iron and folic acid supplementation (WIFAS) is a proven and cost-effective intervention to prevent anaemia in populations at high risk. In 2023, the World Health Organization accepted Nutrition International’s submission to include the new formulation of WIFAS in the Model List of Essential Medicines—a significant achievement for reducing anaemia and creating health equity.

In action: Visit a classroom in Madhya Pradesh, India, and learn about the connection between WIFAS, anaemia prevention, and how it’s incorporated into adolescent nutrition programming.

2. Keeping girls in class

It can be tough if it happens—you get your period in a less-than-ideal setting and discreetly ask around for a pad or tampon. But what if there isn’t appropriate water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities to support you? Or a trustworthy peer or adult to reach out to? The impacts of anaemia can result in girls missing class but so can simply not having the resources to support menstruation in a school setting. This goes beyond physical requirements. As nutrition programs are rolled out across schools, considering what an enabling environment looks like is critical for girls to stay in class.

In action: Meet a girls’ club in Durame, Ethiopia committed to ensuring girls don’t miss school when on their menses.

3. Breaking down silos

Holistic adolescent nutrition programs can address different topics that girls may face. The rapid growth and development that happens during adolescence is an opportunity to address a myriad of issues that can impact adolescent girls in the present and the future. The integration of menstrual health education into nutrition programs is one example of building awareness and knowledge amongst adolescents holistically, alongside topics such as the risks of early marriage and pregnancy.

In action: In Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, the Adopting a Multisectoral Approach to Nutrition (AMAN) project supported strengthening adolescent nutrition programs in schools, including weekly lessons on pertinent topics.

4. Removing stigma

Stigma and taboos surrounding menstruation can prevent girls from accessing appropriate menstrual hygiene products, discussing changes to better understand their developmental needs, and participating fully in their day-to-day lives. The incorporation of menstrual health awareness into adolescent nutrition programs helps to challenge taboos and lessen feelings of embarrassment or shame by normalizing periods.

In action: A pilot project in Uttar Pradesh, India included an anonymous question box where students could ask their health teacher whatever they wanted to know and gain informed insight to challenge menstrual misconceptions.

5. Life-long self empowerment

The lessons learnt in adolescence can form life-long behaviours. By integrating menstrual health into adolescent health and nutrition, and fostering a sense of ownership and understanding, girls have the opportunity to take charge of their health and wellbeing. In addition to the physical benefits, this can foster confidence, leadership skills and a strong sense of self.

In action:  Read how counties in Kenya are changing the narrative on first-period stories, setting adolescent girls up to become empowered advocates for their own health and nutrition.

Learn more about how we support adolescent girls.

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