During displacement, ask what menstrual supplies each person needs
Consider supplies together with water, privacy, lighting and disposal.
Leaving home or staying in temporary accommodation can change a person’s familiar supplies, washing conditions and privacy. UNICEF guidance on menstrual materials advises considering people’s preferences and actual conditions in an emergency before selecting supplies; Sphere humanitarian standards emphasize dignity and participation. Do not assume everyone prefers the same product, or describe a commercial kit as UNICEF-endorsed BEIIU stock. Speak privately with the person, protect their information and seek local health professionals for significant symptoms.
Ask the person instead of choosing for them
Ask privately what the person usually uses, how much they need, whether they prefer a product or alternative, and whether underwear, washing supplies or support for discomfort would help. Menstrual products are personal choices; distribution staff should not infer need from age, gender expression, disability or culture. If the person does not want to answer, respect that and explain where they can collect supplies or speak later.
Match supplies to water and washing conditions
Disposable and reusable products differ in water, washing, drying, storage and disposal needs. First learn what safe water, soap, private space and drying conditions are available, then let the person choose. Do not distribute reusable products to someone who cannot wash them safely, or claim one product suits every climate, age or body. Follow product instructions and local health guidance.
Plan private changing, handwashing and disposal
Ask staff about lighting, locks, accessible entry, soap and waste collection at toilets and washing areas. Packaging and public bins should not reveal a user’s identity. Do not flush products into toilets or drainage unless local facilities explicitly allow it. If facilities feel unsafe, lack lighting or cannot be used, privately contact the designated staff and ask about an alternative.
Include fit, mobility and communication needs
Underwear fit, easy-open packaging, tactile or plain-language information, shelf height and queue distance can affect whether supplies are usable. Ask whether assistance is wanted; do not touch the person or choose for them. Let people collect supplies without publicly explaining personal circumstances. Procurers and donors should offer options and adjust kits based on confidential consultation.
Refer significant symptoms to qualified local health services
If the person has severe pain, unusually heavy bleeding, fainting, fever or another concerning symptom, help them contact local health services. Do not diagnose from a photo, chatbot or general article, and do not prescribe a dose. Share only information needed for assistance, with consent; use local emergency services for urgent situations.
Make feedback, restocking and complaints safe
Set up a private way to request more supplies and explain who responds, when items are available and what happens if stock runs out. Use languages and communication formats people can access; do not mark menstruation or health status on public lists. Record product type, size, quantity and conditions without unsupported brand endorsements. Tell users how feedback is handled and respect their right to decline, complain or choose another item.
Supply links connect this subject to BEIIU categories. They are commercial references, not endorsements by the organizations cited below.
Questions to prepare for
- Privately ask about usual products, sizes and alternatives.
- Check water, changing privacy, lighting and disposal arrangements.
- Respect personal choice; do not expose names, health details or requests.
Public references
- UNICEF · Guide to Menstrual Hygiene Materials ↗
- UNICEF · WASH and Dignity Kit ↗
- Sphere · Humanitarian Handbook ↗
Preparation notes based on public resources. No independent clinical or technical expert review is claimed. Follow current local guidance.
Editorial standards ↗
