According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2023), an estimated 1.3 billion people globally live with disabilities—about 19% of whom are women. For many of these women and girls, managing menstruation is a daily struggle, made harder by limited resources, social stigma, and environments that are not built to accommodate their unique needs.
Disabilities range from intellectual, hearing, mobility, physical, to visual impairments—and each presents distinct challenges when it comes to menstrual hygiene. Singh (2024) notes that those with visual and mobility impairments often find it difficult to access hygiene resources or maintain cleanliness, especially in public spaces that lack inclusive design. This can compromise their ability to manage their periods safely and with dignity.
UNICEF (2015) highlights that individuals with upper-body physical impairments may struggle to position sanitary pads correctly or wash themselves and their menstrual materials. For those with visual impairments, it can be hard to verify if they’ve cleaned themselves properly, raising the risk of infections. Similarly, girls with intellectual disabilities often lack access to appropriate menstrual education, leaving them unsure of how to understand and manage menstruation. Hearing-impaired individuals, too, face challenges, as most menstrual information is shared verbally or via audio—formats they cannot easily access.
These issues are even more severe in low- and middle-income countries, where access to education, sanitary products, and inclusive infrastructure is limited. As a result, girls and women with disabilities are more likely to experience psychological stress, isolation, and stigma (UNICEF, 2015).
Improving menstrual health for women and girls with disabilities begins with making education accessible. Resources must be adapted into formats like Braille, sign language, captioned videos, and pictorial guides to ensure that every girl, regardless of ability, can understand her cycle and care for herself with confidence (UNESCO, 2021).
Sanitation facilities also need to be reimagined. WASH infrastructure should include grab bars, wider spaces for mobility aids, and features like low sinks and disposal bins. These adjustments, as recommended by WaterAid (2020), make managing menstruation in public and private spaces safer and more dignified for those with physical limitations.
The availability of adapted menstrual products is equally important. This includes easy-to-use pads with clear adhesive placement, menstrual underwear, or adult-size diapers for those with limited mobility. Disposable options are especially vital for individuals who are unable to wash reusable products.
Equipping caregivers and healthcare workers with proper training is another essential step. As UNFPA (2022) recommends, these support systems should be knowledgeable, respectful, and sensitive to the needs of menstruating individuals with disabilities, empowering them rather than fostering dependence.
By acknowledging the specific barriers they face and committing to inclusive solutions—through education, infrastructure, policy, and community care—we move closer to a world where every girl can manage her period with dignity, safety, and pride.
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