Submission ID 131521
| Issue/Objective | Menstrual health is a neglected component of sexual and reproductive health and rights, with significant implications for equity, dignity, and social participation. In Lebanon, overlapping economic collapse, political instability, armed conflict, and recurrent crises have intensified period poverty, undermining women's ability to manage menstruation safely and with dignity. Despite growing need, responses remain fragmented, with limited policy attention and insufficient inclusion of women's lived experiences in decision-making. This study aims to generate equity-oriented and action-focused evidence to inform health system and policy responses. Specifically, it seeks to (1) map existing evidence and policy gaps; (2) examine women's lived experiences of menstrual health and period poverty; (3) identify community-informed priorities for solutions; and (4) explore system- and policy-level perspectives from key stakeholders. |
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| Methodology/Approach | Guided by the socio-ecological model, this multi-component study will be conducted between summer 2026 and summer 2027. It includes: (1) a scoping review of menstrual health evidence and policies in Lebanon and the Levant region; (2) in-depth semi-structured interviews with women in Lebanon; and (3) key informant interviews with policymakers, practitioners, and key stakeholders. We will analyze the collected data using thematic analysis to capture multi-level determinants of menstrual health across individual, community, and health system levels in a crisis-affected context. |
| Results | Data collection is forthcoming. Anticipated findings include significant gaps in national policy and fragmented health system responses to menstrual health, alongside lived experiences reflecting barriers in affordability, access to services, stigma, and inadequate support systems. The study is expected to demonstrate how intersecting crises exacerbate health and gender inequities and to inform community-led and women-centered solutions to strengthen equitable and resilient health systems. |
| Discussion/Conclusion | By centering women's voices and lived experiences in a protracted crisis setting, this research advances equity in action through community-centered and rights-based evidence. Findings will inform context-responsive menstrual health policies and contribute to strengthening resilient and equitable health systems in Lebanon. This work highlights the importance of local voices, community-informed solutions, and inclusive leadership in addressing menstrual health and reducing period poverty in fragile settings. |
| Presenters and Affiliations | Andrew Aoun University of Ottawa Andrew Aoun University of Ottawa Angel Foster University of Ottawa |
