A Blind Spot in Girls' Education: Menarche and its Webs of Exclusion in Ghana

From:
Department for International Development
Published
1 January 2013
Country:
Ghana
Document Type:
Journal Article
Theme:
Social Change
Authors:
Scott, L., Dolan, C.S., Dopson, S., Montgomery, P., Ryus, C.R.

Abstract

Despite notable progress in girls' education over the last decade, gender-based differences continue to shape educational outcomes. One of the most overlooked of these differences is the process of maturation itself, including menstruation. This paper presents the findings of a study that assessed the impact of sanitary care on the school attendance of post-pubertal girls, as well as the implications of menarche for their well-being. The study found that the provision of adequate sanitary care represents a relatively unrecognized but potentially fruitful tool in strategies that aim to improve girls' educational outcomes, one that warrants policy consideration among development planners.

Citation

Dolan, C.S.; Ryus, C.R.; Dopson, S.; Montgomery, P.; Scott, L. A BLIND SPOT IN GIRLS’ EDUCATION: MENARCHE AND ITS WEBS OF EXCLUSION IN GHANA. Journal of International Development (2013) 26 (5) 643-657. [DOI: 10.1002/jid.2917]

A Blind Spot in Girls’ Education: Menarche and its Webs of Exclusion in Ghana

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Published 1 January 2013
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