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Each month, over two billion people menstruate globally, yet persistent stigma, taboos and mockery limit the understanding/acceptance, accessibility, and availability of menstrual health hygiene products (MHH) worldwide. In Cameroon, Menstrual Hygiene Management has rarely been integrated into national demographic and health surveys, resulting in a critical lack of data to inform policy and interventions.
A study by UN Women and the Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council (WSSCC) highlighted that the limited awareness among target populations about menstrual hygiene issues, insufficient access to affordable menstrual products, and the prevalence of cultural practices impede effective menstrual hygiene management. A recent study conducted in the Southwest region from March to May 2024 highlights several key points. The findings show that 60.95% of participants use disposable menstrual hygiene materials, 19.03% use tampons, 17.54% use cloth pads, and 4.96% use menstrual cups. Notably, only 1.09% of adolescents use reusable menstrual hygiene materials. Additionally, 41.2% of the population in the study considers the available menstrual products to be affordable.
The two studies underscore the critical need for targeted interventions to improve menstrual health awareness, product accessibility and affordability, mainly for reusable menstrual hygiene materials in Cameroon. In response, the Ministry of Women's Empowerment, and the Family (MINPROFF) and UNICEF aim to mobilize stakeholders across the private sector, civil society, and development agencies to scale up access to washable, reusable eco-friendly menstrual hygiene products for one million adolescent girls by 2025. This study will be instrumental in identifying and overcoming the key supply and demand barriers to achieving this goal.
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1. Background and Rationale
Each month, over two billion people menstruate globally, yet persistent stigma, taboos and mockery limit the understanding/acceptance, accessibility, and availability of menstrual health hygiene products (MHH) worldwide. In Cameroon, Menstrual Hygiene Management has rarely been integrated into national demographic and health surveys, resulting in a critical lack of data to inform policy and interventions.
A study by UN Women and the Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council (WSSCC) highlighted that the limited awareness among target populations about menstrual hygiene issues, insufficient access to affordable menstrual products, and the prevalence of cultural practices impede effective menstrual hygiene management. A recent study conducted in the Southwest region from March to May 2024 highlights several key points. The findings show that 60.95% of participants use disposable menstrual hygiene materials, 19.03% use tampons, 17.54% use cloth pads, and 4.96% use menstrual cups. Notably, only 1.09% of adolescents use reusable menstrual hygiene materials. Additionally, 41.2% of the population in the study considers the available menstrual products to be affordable.
The two studies underscore the critical need for targeted interventions to improve menstrual health awareness, product accessibility and affordability, mainly for reusable menstrual hygiene materials in Cameroon. In response, the Ministry of Women's Empowerment, and the Family (MINPROFF) and UNICEF aim to mobilize stakeholders across the private sector, civil society, and development agencies to scale up access to washable, reusable eco-friendly menstrual hygiene products for one million adolescent girls by 2025. This study will be instrumental in identifying and overcoming the key supply and demand barriers to achieving this goal.
The study will be conducted in six specific areas characterized by high levels of vulnerability:
Far North Region: Known for its arid climate and high poverty rates, the Far North faces unique challenges in menstrual health management due to limited access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities, impacting adolescent girls' ability to manage menstruation effectively.
Northwest and Southwest Regions: These regions are affected by socio-political instability and displacement, making it difficult for residents to access essential services, including menstrual hygiene products.
East Region: Adolescents in the region often face barriers related to WASH infrastructure, limited health and hygiene resources.
Urban Areas (Douala and Yaoundé): Rapid urbanization, overcrowding, and economic inequality create complex challenges for menstrual health management. Vulnerable populations in these cities often struggle with limited access to affordable hygiene products and face infrastructural constraints that can hinder access to adequate sanitation facilities.
Purpose and Objectives of the Study
The main purpose of this formative study is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the reusable eco-friendly menstrual health hygiene products market in Cameroon. By examining both the supply and demand constraints, the study aims to identify evidence-based strategies to stimulate demand, reduce production costs, and improve sustainable access to reusable eco-friendly menstrual hygiene materials, particularly for vulnerable adolescent girls.
2. Specific Objectives:
- Conduct a comprehensive inventory of reusable menstrual hygiene materials in Cameroon, assessing pricing, distribution channels, and regional availability.
- Identify and analyze cultural, social, and financial barriers limiting the adoption of reusable menstrual hygiene materials among adolescents and their caregivers.
- Assess supply-side constraints such as cost drivers affecting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) producing reusable menstrual hygiene materials and identify feasible approaches to reduce production costs.
- Compare the market dynamics of disposable and reusable menstrual hygiene materials to support advocacy for reusable products.
- Develop a sustainable marketing strategy and business model to increase access to affordable reusable menstrual hygiene materials for one million adolescent girls by 2025.
3. Methodology:
The study will employ a mixed-methods approach, integrating both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies to deliver a comprehensive analysis of the reusable menstrual health hygiene (MHH) product market in Cameroon. This approach will provide insight into both supply and demand dimensions, offering valuable data to guide improvements in accessibility and affordability for reusable menstrual hygiene materials.
In terms of sampling, the study will ensure effective participation of adolescent girls and their caregivers, vulnerable groups, households in economically disadvantaged areas, hard-to-reach populations, small medium enterprise producers and partners. The methodology will be participatory and inclusive, prioritizing meaningful engagement with key stakeholders who are impacted by issues of menstrual health access and affordability.
The sampling will include targeting adolescent girls, caregivers, and other stakeholders in the five localities of Cameroon, particularly in areas with limited access to reusable sanitary products. The study will capture a representative sample across different socio-economic backgrounds, geographical regions, and will provide an accurate assessment of the menstrual health product market landscape, including access barriers and socio-economic factors.
Research questions:
Market Inventory and Accessibility
- What reusable menstrual hygiene materials are currently available in different regions of Cameroon?
- How are reusable menstrual hygiene materials priced across regions, and what are the main distribution channels?
- Which areas in Cameroon have limited or no access to reusable menstrual hygiene materials, and what factors contribute to this lack of accessibility?
Demand-Side Barriers and Adoption
- What cultural, social, and financial factors limit the adoption of reusable menstrual hygiene materials among adolescents and their caregivers?
- How do perceptions, preferences, and challenges of adolescents influence their willingness to use reusable menstrual hygiene materials?
- To what extent do household financial constraints impact purchasing power and willingness to pay for reusable menstrual hygiene materials?
Supply-Side Constraints for Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs)
- What are the main cost drivers impacting the production of reusable menstrual hygiene materials for SMEs in Cameroon?
- What feasible approaches could reduce production costs for SMEs, and how might these impact the pricing and affordability of reusable menstrual hygiene materials?
- What financing options and gaps exist for SMEs, and how do these affect their ability to scale up production?
Comparative Market Dynamics and Consumer Preferences
- How do consumer preferences and perceptions of reusable menstrual hygiene materials compare to disposable options?
- What are the key strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats for both reusable and disposable menstrual hygiene materials in the Cameroonian market?
- What data can support advocacy for reusable menstrual hygiene materials based on their sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and other benefits?
Sustainable Marketing Strategy and Business Model Development
- What are the critical components of a marketing strategy to increase accessibility and acceptance of reusable menstrual hygiene materials among adolescent girls?
- How can partnerships with stakeholders contribute to developing a sustainable business model for expanding reusable sanitary pad access?
What strategies will be most effective in reaching the target of providing reusable menstrual hygiene materials to one million adolescent girls by 2025?
Deliverables:
| Work Assignments Overview |
Deliverables/Outputs |
Delivery deadline |
Payment |
|
Conduct a comprehensive literature review.
Develop the research protocol with an implementation timeline
|
Literature Review Report
Study Protocol with Implementation Timeline
|
20 days |
20% |
|
Develop research tools discussed, and approved by UNICEF.
Collect data.
|
Finalized Questionnaires.
Data Collection Report |
40 days |
40% |
Prepare and share the preliminary study report and analysis recommendations.
Integrate feedback and finalize the study report.
Submit the final report with recommendations, plan for implementation and the database (qualitative and quantitative), and present the final analysis results.
|
Final Study Report |
30 days |
40% |
To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…
- An advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in Public Health, market research, economics sociology/anthropology, or a related field.
- A minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience in qualitative and quantitative research, market research, especially in public health or social marketing.
- Expertise in menstrual health hygiene (MHH), sexual and reproductive health, or related fields.
- Proven experience in data management and statistics.
- Mastery of the national context or experience in the region (highly valued).
- Experience conducting similar studies in sub-Saharan Africa is an asset.
- Strong analytical and reporting skills, with the ability to produce clear and actionable recommendations.
- Fluency in French and English is required.
Payment details and further considerations
- Payment of professional fees will be based on the submission of agreed deliverables. UNICEF reserves the right to withhold payment in case the deliverables submitted are not up to the required standard or in case of delays in submitting the deliverables on the part of the consultant.
How to apply:
- Interest applicant is required to submit a financial proposal with an all-inclusive fee. Please see the financial proposal template.
- Financial proposal must include travel costs (economy class) and daily subsistence allowance, if travel is required as per TOR and any other estimated costs: visa, travel/health insurance
- Applications without a financial proposal will not be considered.
Consultancy Financial Offer Template.docx
- Technical Proposal: This should provide a detailed outline of the proposed methodology, a work plan, and a timeline for the consultancy.
General Terms and Conditions:
Please review UNICEF's General Terms and Conditions for Consultants here for important information regarding contract obligations, including medical insurance, SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) vaccination, and income tax requirements.
For every Child, you demonstrate…
UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability (CRITAS).
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UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic background, and persons with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization. To create a more inclusive workplace, UNICEF offers paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements. Click here to learn more about flexible work arrangements, well-being, and benefits.
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UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.
Remarks:
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.
Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations and UNICEF’s policies and procedures, and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage). Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants and Individual Contractors. Consultants and individual contractors are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable laws.
The selected candidate is solely responsible to ensure that the visa (applicable) and health insurance required to perform the duties of the contract are valid for the entire period of the contract. Selected candidates are subject to confirmation of fully-vaccinated status against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) with a World Health Organization (WHO)-endorsed vaccine, which must be met prior to taking up the assignment. It does not apply to consultants who will work remotely and are not expected to work on or visit UNICEF premises, programme delivery locations or directly interact with communities UNICEF works with, nor to travel to perform functions for UNICEF for the duration of their consultancy contracts.