Inadequate WASH Facilities in Monrovia Schools Impact Girls Education During Menstrual Cycles

By Fanta L. Keita / Internews Water & Sanitation Reporting Fellow

MONROVIA, Oct. 7 (LINA) – Monrovia, the educational hub of Liberia, is grappling with a critical challenge including the lack of adequate Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) facilities, particularly affecting young girls during their menstrual cycles. This issue has far-reaching implications for female students' education and health.

This report investigates the experiences of female students at four schools in Monrovia: Matilda Newport Jr. High School High, New Port Street and G.W. Gibson High School, Capitol Bye Pass, both public institutions under the Monrovia Consolidated School System (MCSS), alongside private institutions J.J. Roberts United Methodist High School, 12^th Street, Sinkor and Destiny International Academy, Capitol Hill. 

Liberia is rich in water resources, ranking third in Sub-Saharan Africa for per capita water availability. However, this wealth has not translated into adequate WASH facilities in urban schools, where the problem is most acute. The lack of proper menstrual hygiene management directly affects girls’ attendance, as many are forced to miss school during their periods due to discomfort and inadequate facilities.

During a visit to both the Matilda Newport Jr. High School and G.W. Gibson High School, on September 30, 2024, it was observed that the sanitary condition in those schools were appalling. The toilets were unkempt without water supply and sanitary pad for females.

Speaking to some female students at the Matilda Newport High School, Peculiar Richards, a 9th grader, described the poor conditions of the school's restrooms, leading her to either wait until she gets home or resort to open defecation behind the school toilet. Peculiar explained that many female students are badly affected, disclosing that they sometimes contract diseases after using the untidy restrooms.

On the issue of the availability of sanitary pad, Peculiar decried the lack of sanitary pads at the school, noting, “my school is most often out of pad, so whenever we experienced our cycle unexpectedly and there is no pad within the school, we literally go home to manage it. This is frustrating because sometimes it happens during testing period.”

Another student, Martherline Flomo, an 8th Grade student at the same school validated how she herself does not use the bathrooms either but added that whenever she experiences her menses on campus, she engages the Guidance Counseling Department for sanitary pad and sometimes the supplies are not available.

“We avoid using the bathrooms due to the fear of encountering infection, but whether we use it or not our health is still at risk because keeping urine affects the bladder. The school is like our second home where we come early in the morning and leave late in the afternoon and for us to see ourselves deprived of a proper bathroom is discouraging,” Flomo added.

Like the Matilda Newport Jr. High School, the G.W. Gibson High School, another public institution faces similar condition. One of the 12th grade female students, Annie Kemokai, expressed how disheartening it is to be deprived of materials to cater to their period. Discouragingly, she said “our periods sometimes come on unexpectedly and stain our uniforms which lead to bullying or discussion among our colleagues in the class. This also contributes to why some female students do not want to come to school because they are shy and embarrassed.”

During the interview, Kemokai further explained how one of her friends was forced to leave the campus that same day because of the lack of sanitary pads.

She affirmed that the poor water and latrine facilities on campus pose a challenge, citing, “the source of water and the bathroom facilities are not hygiene friendly. Sometimes we the students have to leave campus to fetch water from the nearby wells and hand pumps for use. There is no hygiene-friendly facility to manage our period.”

In solidarity with his female colleagues, Stephen Wilson, who is also a 12th Grade student at the G.W Gibson High School, said that it is frustrating to see their female counterparts stay away from school for days only to manage their periods. This is discouraging, he added, stating that, “We, the students have planned to engage the government and philanthropists to help address this deplorable condition we are faced with.”

Even though, according to him, the system improvises at times with sanitary pads; it is not enough, more need to be done in adhering to WASH practices because Water, Sanitation and Hygiene are the business of both males and females.

Toilets at government schools-Matilda Newport Jr. High and G.W. Gibson High Schools

Corroborating these claims by the students, the Assistant Director for Guidance Counseling at MCSS, Samuel A. Barry, emphasized the urgent need for menstrual hygiene-friendly latrines, sanitary pads, and clean water at schools. He explained that the challenges are exacerbated by insufficient supplies, stating, “We operate with a minimal supply from the school system. A smaller quantity of these materials cannot accommodate our students for an entire academic year.” 

Currently, the MCSS oversees approximately 25 primary and secondary public schools in the Monrovia metropolitan area. Barry pointed out that inadequate water supply not only affects girls' attendance but also poses health risks due to unsanitary conditions. “This is a pressing issue that must be addressed to facilitate a supportive learning environment for all students,” he stated.

Mr. Barry, who spoke in a frustrating tone, cited that issues surrounding menstrual hygiene is paramount and that female students should not be prevented from attending classes even when they are experiencing their menstrual periods.

Mr. Samuel A. Barry of MCSS

In contrast to public schools, private institutions like J.J. Roberts United Methodist High School demonstrate a more proactive approach to WASH management. The school has 16 bathrooms, regularly sanitized facilities, and provides menstrual materials for students. Simon S. Doe, Vice Principal for Student Affairs, stated, "We prioritize WASH compliance, as it allows our students to focus on their education without distractions." During a guided tour of the facilities, the WASH facilities appeared clean and hygienic. 

At Destiny International Academy, students report occasional access to sanitary pads but also face challenges. Lovia J. Kolleh, a 12th grader, explained that supplies can be scarced, forcing students to manage their periods at home. She noted that both pain and discomfort accompany these situations, highlighting the need for schools to ensure reliable access to necessary supplies.

Describing WASH facilities on the school campus, Kolleh disclosed that there are six bathrooms: three for girls and three for boys and added that there is an assigned caretaker especially to the bathrooms, citing that there are two sources of water supply which include, pipe-borne water supplied by Liberia  Water and Sewer and a nearby hand pump.

Bathrooms and water sources at JJ Roberts and Destiny International Academy School in Monrovia.

The Role of the WASH Commission and Education Ministry

The WASH Commission-Liberia is responsible to promote and regulate the development and management of water, sanitation and hygiene services across the nation. Mr. George W.K. Yarngo, who is CEO of the Commission said that the situation existing in schools is of grave concern that needs to be addressed.

Mr. Yarngo disclosed on October  2, 2024, that the WASH Commission is gearing up to intervene in the matter, saying that the situation is disheartening, adding, “action needs to be taken so that the agency can begin regular visitation to various institutions in ensuring WASH practices are adhered to.”

Mr. George Yarngo, WASH Commission CEO.

At the Education Ministry, the Assistant Minister for Student Personnel Services, Sona T. Sesay explained that there is no allocation in the Ministry’s budget to deal with issues relating to menstrual hygiene management, citing that they rely only on donor funding.

According to her, the issue is key and it needs quick action, adding that there are several others that are engaged with WASH activities, especially the WASH Commission. 

She asserted that the Ministry needs to work on partnerships and understand that entities involved with general WASH activities within the country need financial and technical support aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of the sector across the country, especially in schools.

“So, I believe that we need better cooperation among ourselves to make sure that if there are financial resources, we should be able to push that directly under the schools,” she noted.

With regards to the issue of water availability on school campuses, the MOE official stated that if schools do not have proper water facilities on campuses, it is incumbent upon the MOE to work with those schools and ensure that water access is created. Excitingly, she said that with recent infrastructure development, “we are building restrooms on school campuses.”

“There are inclusive restrooms where there are ramps set up for students who have wheelchairs to access as well. We are also adding the menstrual hygiene rooms to the restrooms in schools. So there has been a lot of recent development and improvement in the WASH facilities on campuses generally, but again, it would take a while to attain that level for everybody having a restroom on their campuses,” she added.

In addition, she said there is a general awareness on school campuses for hygiene practices, noting that in line with that, the Ministry has set up health clubs in different schools that are managed by students and their science teachers where they normally have a conversation around health, the well-being of menstrual hygiene and best practices for the young people to maintain themselves.

When asked about the duty free on sanitary pad bill submitted to the national Legislature some years back, the Executive Director of the Women in Media Development organization WimDev, Siatta Scott-Johnson confirmed that the bill was submitted to the House of Legislature in 2023, but it was not passed. 

She explained that in 2024, the House was engaged by the petitioners to inquire as to what has been the delay regarding the passage of the bill. According to her, the lawmakers promised to look at the bill when they return from their Agriculture Break.

The Bleak Picture of Public Schools in Monrovia

The comparison between public and private schools regarding WASH facilities is stark. Public schools like Matilda Newport Jr. High and G.W. Gibson High often lack the resources and support to adequately supply WASH facilities and menstrual hygiene products. In contrast, private schools generally have better maintained facilities and more consistent access to necessary sanitary products, although they have their challenges as well.

To address these disparities, the government must take decisive action. The Ministry of Education should increase funding specifically for menstrual hygiene management and WASH infrastructure. Currently, the Assistant Minister for Student Personnel Services, Sona T. Sesay noted, that budget allocations for menstrual hygiene are non-existent and that the Ministry relies heavily on donor funding. A more structured allocation from the government could fundamentally change the WASH landscape in public schools.

On the other hand, the WASH Commission in Liberia is also looking to intervene, with plans for more regular visits to schools to ensure compliance with WASH practices. However, a significant commitment from both the Ministry of Education and the government is essential to create a sustainable and health-promoting educational environment for all students.

In conclusion, the urgent need for improved WASH facilities in schools around Monrovia, especially public institutions, cannot be overstated. Ensuring that female students have safe, hygienic environments in which to manage their menstrual cycles is paramount for their education and health. By enhancing support for public schools and investing in adequate WASH facilities, the government can significantly reduce barriers to education for girls and foster a more inclusive learning environment.