May 28th&nbsp;is Menstrual Hygiene Day, and WaterAid Australia is calling for menstrual health to be recognised as a climate justice issue. This follows new research revealing the worsening impacts of climate change on women and girls in the Pacific.

A scoping report by WaterAid Australia and The Pacific Menstrual Health Network highlights how extreme weather events, rising costs and patriarchal systems are deepening gender inequality and making it harder for women, girls and gender-diverse people to manage menstruation safely and with dignity.

Nalini Singh, Executive Director of Fiji Women’s Rights Movement and member of the Pacific Menstrual Health Network, said:

"When a cyclone hits, our needs don’t disappear — they multiply. Managing periods becomes almost impossible without access to products, privacy, or dignity. Menstrual health must be included in disaster planning and embedded in all public health and disaster risk reduction policies and laws"

Interview participants across the Pacific reported that evacuation centres often lack the privacy, safety and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities needed to manage menstruation.

Marginalised groups, such as people living with disabilities, rural communities and LGBTQIA+ individuals, face even greater barriers during climate emergencies, including a lack of access to menstrual products, dignity kits and inclusive health services.

WaterAid Australia’s Director of Policy and Programs, Meredith Hickman, said periods don’t stop during extreme weather events, but the ability to manage them often does.

“In the Pacific, climate change is compounding existing inequalities and pushing menstrual health further down the priority list during disasters. This is a public health and human rights issue.

We need to ensure that every person who menstruates—regardless of where they live, how they identify, or their ability—can do so safely and with dignity, even in the face of the climate crisis.”

Health systems in the Pacific are already under strain, and climate disasters are making it worse. Interviewees shared that remote clinics often run out of essential supplies, forcing women to delay or skip care for menstrual pain and disorders.

“When nursing stations run out of medication, it shuts down... that's during normal times, irrespective of whether there’s a disaster or not,” said one woman interviewed.

Despite these risks, menstrual health remains deprioritised in disaster response and climate policy. Participants noted that the government and humanitarian focus rarely extends to issues like period pain, menstrual hygiene or menopause.

Cultural and religious taboos around menstruation continue to reinforce shame and limit open conversations in communities across the Pacific. Participants described women being excluded from decision-making spaces, while also carrying the burden of caregiving during climate crises.

Despite limited policy support, grassroots and local organisations are leading efforts to raise awareness and shift harmful norms.

Community-led events and inclusive programs led by organisations of persons with disabilities (OPDs) are helping empower young women and marginalised menstruators.

WaterAid is urging governments, donors and humanitarian organisations to recognise menstrual health as essential to gender equality and climate resilience. The WASH organisation is calling for:

Menstrual health to be integrated into climate action plans and policiesSustained support for grassroots and community-led initiativesInclusive research and data collection that reflects diverse menstruators’ needsInvestment in WASH infrastructure and menstrual product access in schools and emergency settingsStigma-ending education to shift harmful norms and taboos

May 28th&nbsp;is Menstrual Hygiene Day, and WaterAid Australia is calling for menstrual health to be recognised as a climate justice issue. This follows new research revealing the worsening impacts of climate change on women and girls in the Pacific.A scoping report by WaterAid Australia and The Pacific Menstrual Health Network highlights how extreme weather events, rising costs and patriarchal systems are deepening gender inequality and making it harder for women, girls and gender-diverse people to manage menstruation safely and with dignity.Nalini Singh, Executive Director of Fiji Women’s Rights Movement and member of the Pacific Menstrual Health Network, said:"When a cyclone hits, our needs don’t disappear — they multiply. Managing periods becomes almost impossible without access to products, privacy, or dignity. Menstrual health must be included in disaster planning and embedded in all public health and disaster risk reduction policies and laws"Interview participants across the Pacific reported that evacuation centres often lack the privacy, safety and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities needed to manage menstruation.Marginalised groups, such as people living with disabilities, rural communities and LGBTQIA+ individuals, face even greater barriers during climate emergencies, including a lack of access to menstrual products, dignity kits and inclusive health services.WaterAid Australia’s Director of Policy and Programs, Meredith Hickman, said periods don’t stop during extreme weather events, but the ability to manage them often does.“In the Pacific, climate change is compounding existing inequalities and pushing menstrual health further down the priority list during disasters. This is a public health and human rights issue.We need to ensure that every person who menstruates—regardless of where they live, how they identify, or their ability—can do so safely and with dignity, even in the face of the climate crisis.”Health systems in the Pacific are already under strain, and climate disasters are making it worse. Interviewees shared that remote clinics often run out of essential supplies, forcing women to delay or skip care for menstrual pain and disorders.“When nursing stations run out of medication, it shuts down... that's during normal times, irrespective of whether there’s a disaster or not,” said one woman interviewed.Despite these risks, menstrual health remains deprioritised in disaster response and climate policy. Participants noted that the government and humanitarian focus rarely extends to issues like period pain, menstrual hygiene or menopause.Cultural and religious taboos around menstruation continue to reinforce shame and limit open conversations in communities across the Pacific. Participants described women being excluded from decision-making spaces, while also carrying the burden of caregiving during climate crises.Despite limited policy support, grassroots and local organisations are leading efforts to raise awareness and shift harmful norms.Community-led events and inclusive programs led by organisations of persons with disabilities (OPDs) are helping empower young women and marginalised menstruators.WaterAid is urging governments, donors and humanitarian organisations to recognise menstrual health as essential to gender equality and climate resilience. The WASH organisation is calling for:Menstrual health to be integrated into climate action plans and policiesSustained support for grassroots and community-led initiativesInclusive research and data collection that reflects diverse menstruators’ needsInvestment in WASH infrastructure and menstrual product access in schools and emergency settingsStigma-ending education to shift harmful norms and taboos

Welfare / Nursing / Rehabilitation

Female Related

Government offices / organizations

Pacific Women and Girls at Risk as Climate Change Deepens Menstrual Hygiene Crisis

Harriet washes her son in a basin full of water now that she has easy access to clean water at home in, Uganda, May 2024. WaterAid/ James Kiyimba

This Mother's Day, while many mums will wake up with a cup of tea delivered to them in bed or a relaxing bubble bath, millions of mums around the world will face a different reality.

For them, the day begins not with joy, but with the heavy burden of securing something most of us take for granted — clean water for their families.

In countless communities, the simple act of turning on a tap is not an option and mothers bear the weight of making sure their family survive without it.

In fact, globally, women and girls spend 200 million hours every day collecting water.

In Papua New Guinea,pregnant mother Jennifer is preparing to welcome her second child. But unlike many expectant mums, her journey to motherhood is filled with obstacles most of us can’t imagine.

The local health centre, which serves more than 8,500 people, is crumbling. The building is riddled with termites, the delivery room lacks sanitation and the water tanks are rusted and contaminated. With no running water and broken toilets, Jennifer is forced to use the bushes or walk to the river — even while in labour.

The risks are serious. Without clean water, infection is common. Mothers must bring their own water to take medication. Staff clean instruments with bleach when no steriliser is available. In the wet season, overflowing pit toilets pose serious health hazards.

&nbsp;“If the clinic had clean water and proper equipment, I would feel safe to give birth here,” Jennifer says. “But it doesn’t.”

Jennifer Kenea, 23, and her son Michael wait outside Kuriva sub-healthcare centre, Central Province, Papua New Guinea. WaterAid/Tariq Hawari

In Uganda,&nbsp;mums like Harriet go to extraordinary lengths every day to protect and provide for their children.

Harriet’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact water can have on a mother’s ability to care for her family. For years, Harriet and her children relied on unsafe, contaminated water sources shared with animals. The consequences were severe: stomach aches, skin rashes and frequent illnesses became part of daily life.

Before gaining access to clean water, Harriet said:

“I really feel envious when I see that the other villages have water, and we don't. I feel like the world belongs to them and we're just visitors in this world. “

The search for water also consumed much of Harriet’s time, time she could have spent earning an income or helping her children thrive. Instead, the family’s limited resources were diverted to medical expenses, leaving nothing for essentials like school fees or nutritious food.

But with access to clean water, everything changed.

Sumaya, 9, Aidah, 10, and their mother Harriet going to collect unclean water from a

pond for their household use in Uganda.&nbsp;WaterAid/ James Kiyimba

Today, Harriet’s children are healthier. The financial strain of constant illness has eased. The time once spent searching for water is now used to build a better future. Clean water hasn’t just transformed Harriet’s day-to-day life — it has restored her hope.

In Cambodia,Sun, 33, lives with her four children. Her husband works in Thailand, sending money home when he can. Like many mothers in the region, Sun carries the full weight of raising her children without reliable access to safe water.

Each day, Sun walks to a nearby well or pond, collecting just one bucket of water at a time.

The water looks clear, but she worries about illness. Her youngest child suffers from stunting, a lasting impact of not having enough nutritious food or safe water during pregnancy.

“When she was born, she weighed only 1.5kg. I wanted to take her to hospital, but I couldn’t afford the transport.”

Sun still dreams of a simple tap at home.

Sun Seiya, 33, with her children (left to right) Chantha, 5, baby Channa, Sreyleak, 4, and Samnay, 10 in their community in, Cambodia.. WaterAid/Tariq Hawari

Nicole Ryan, Acting Director of Community and Corporate Engagement at WaterAid Australia,&nbsp;said:

“This Mother’s Day, let’s not forget that for many mums like Sun in Cambodia, there are no flowers or breakfast in bed—just another day of walking for water and worrying about their children’s health.

No one should have to raise their children without access to something as basic and essential as clean water. At WaterAid, we’re working alongside our partners in Cambodia, Timor-Leste, Papua New Guinea and beyond to make sure every mother has the chance to watch her children grow up healthy and strong—with clean water close to home.”

Harriet washes her son in a basin full of water now that she has easy access to clean water at home in, Uganda, May 2024. WaterAid/ James KiyimbaThis Mother's Day, while many mums will wake up with a cup of tea delivered to them in bed or a relaxing bubble bath, millions of mums around the world will face a different reality.For them, the day begins not with joy, but with the heavy burden of securing something most of us take for granted — clean water for their families.In countless communities, the simple act of turning on a tap is not an option and mothers bear the weight of making sure their family survive without it.In fact, globally, women and girls spend 200 million hours every day collecting water.In Papua New Guinea,pregnant mother Jennifer is preparing to welcome her second child. But unlike many expectant mums, her journey to motherhood is filled with obstacles most of us can’t imagine.The local health centre, which serves more than 8,500 people, is crumbling. The building is riddled with termites, the delivery room lacks sanitation and the water tanks are rusted and contaminated. With no running water and broken toilets, Jennifer is forced to use the bushes or walk to the river — even while in labour.The risks are serious. Without clean water, infection is common. Mothers must bring their own water to take medication. Staff clean instruments with bleach when no steriliser is available. In the wet season, overflowing pit toilets pose serious health hazards.&nbsp;“If the clinic had clean water and proper equipment, I would feel safe to give birth here,” Jennifer says. “But it doesn’t.”<img style="width: 100%;" src="https://imagedelivery.net/H6_s_Eb_ylTWnSEV3HlmYQ/5398ec15-713a-497f-b283-c9983f78a600/public" alt="Image" />Jennifer Kenea, 23, and her son Michael wait outside Kuriva sub-healthcare centre, Central Province, Papua New Guinea. WaterAid/Tariq HawariIn Uganda,&nbsp;mums like Harriet go to extraordinary lengths every day to protect and provide for their children.Harriet’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact water can have on a mother’s ability to care for her family. For years, Harriet and her children relied on unsafe, contaminated water sources shared with animals. The consequences were severe: stomach aches, skin rashes and frequent illnesses became part of daily life.Before gaining access to clean water, Harriet said:“I really feel envious when I see that the other villages have water, and we don't. I feel like the world belongs to them and we're just visitors in this world. “The search for water also consumed much of Harriet’s time, time she could have spent earning an income or helping her children thrive. Instead, the family’s limited resources were diverted to medical expenses, leaving nothing for essentials like school fees or nutritious food.But with access to clean water, everything changed.<img style="width: 100%;" src="https://imagedelivery.net/H6_s_Eb_ylTWnSEV3HlmYQ/961b4a0f-2abf-499a-6523-e55c445cff00/public" alt="Image" />Sumaya, 9, Aidah, 10, and their mother Harriet going to collect unclean water from apond for their household use in Uganda.&nbsp;WaterAid/ James KiyimbaToday, Harriet’s children are healthier. The financial strain of constant illness has eased. The time once spent searching for water is now used to build a better future. Clean water hasn’t just transformed Harriet’s day-to-day life — it has restored her hope.In Cambodia,Sun, 33, lives with her four children. Her husband works in Thailand, sending money home when he can. Like many mothers in the region, Sun carries the full weight of raising her children without reliable access to safe water.Each day, Sun walks to a nearby well or pond, collecting just one bucket of water at a time.The water looks clear, but she worries about illness. Her youngest child suffers from stunting, a lasting impact of not having enough nutritious food or safe water during pregnancy.“When she was born, she weighed only 1.5kg. I wanted to take her to hospital, but I couldn’t afford the transport.”Sun still dreams of a simple tap at home.<img style="width: 100%;" src="https://imagedelivery.net/H6_s_Eb_ylTWnSEV3HlmYQ/de5d5b5a-146c-4c6d-19cd-e581b808a800/public" alt="Image" />Sun Seiya, 33, with her children (left to right) Chantha, 5, baby Channa, Sreyleak, 4, and Samnay, 10 in their community in, Cambodia.. WaterAid/Tariq HawariNicole Ryan, Acting Director of Community and Corporate Engagement at WaterAid Australia,&nbsp;said:“This Mother’s Day, let’s not forget that for many mums like Sun in Cambodia, there are no flowers or breakfast in bed—just another day of walking for water and worrying about their children’s health.No one should have to raise their children without access to something as basic and essential as clean water. At WaterAid, we’re working alongside our partners in Cambodia, Timor-Leste, Papua New Guinea and beyond to make sure every mother has the chance to watch her children grow up healthy and strong—with clean water close to home.”