Assessing the effectiveness of NGO-led initiatives in the menstrual hygiene needs of Ukrainian female refugees in Poland: post-2022 invasion

Abstract

In this study, the extent to which non-governmental organizations (NGOs) effectively provide menstrual hygiene products and services to Ukrainian female refugees in Poland after the Russian invasion in 2022 is examined. It highlights how gender, health, and humanitarian response are intertwined and criticizes the omission of NGOs as active players in meeting the menstrual demands of these refugee women. Using a framework of feminist humanitarian theory, the study looks at how NGOs contributed to the menstrual hygiene management of these groups and assessed the results of their efforts. The study uses a thematic analysis to identify major obstacles and achievements in MHM provision through 11 semi-structured interviews with representatives of non-governmental organizations, which are supplemented by 14 Ukrainian refugee interview transcripts. The findings reveal that, although NGOs have played a major role in the provision of menstrual products and services, issues like cultural stigma, a lack of resources, and inadequate long-term planning still exist. The study highlights the importance of considering menstrual hygiene as a crucial component of gender equality and human rights in refugee assistance, and further recommends more gender-inclusive, culturally aware, and sustainable frameworks for future humanitarian initiatives.