Joseph Isangura
In the rural village of Oltepes, located in Longido District within Tanzania’s Arusha Region, water scarcity has transformed the basic biological process of menstruation into a health crisis for the community’s women and girls.
This critical lack of water, especially severe during dry seasons, has driven residents to adopt unconventional and risky practices for menstrual hygiene, including the use of cattle butter and even cattle urine. The situation highlights the urgent need for sustainable water solutions and menstrual health support for Tanzanian rural communities.
With a population of approximately 4,000 people, Oltepes residents routinely walk five kilometers to access water for drinking and cooking. During prolonged dry spells, when local sources dry up, this journey extends to ten kilometers, severely limiting the water available for personal hygiene. These conditions force women and girls to rely on makeshift solutions during menstruation, such as using cattle butter on their intimate areas or repurposing old cloth to manage menstrual blood. Without sufficient water, they struggle to maintain basic hygiene, risking infections and other health issues.
In Oltepes, the expense and unavailability of sanitary pads compound the issue, making them a rare luxury. For girls and women, managing menstruation with dignity each month remains a challenge, with dire consequences for their well-being, self-esteem, and health. The health risks are significant, as inadequate menstrual hygiene can lead to bacterial infections, discomfort, and long-term health implications.
Furthermore, this crisis has had a profound impact on education. Many young girls miss school during their menstrual periods, unable to manage their hygiene with the limited resources at their disposal. For those who attend, maintaining hygiene is almost impossible, affecting their focus, participation, and learning experience. The resulting absenteeism and educational setbacks widen the gap for girls’ education in rural Tanzania.
The water scarcity in Oltepes is not only an immediate issue but also a reflection of broader climate challenges affecting Tanzania. Droughts and drying water sources are increasingly common, underscoring the urgent need for infrastructural improvements, such as boreholes, water-harvesting systems, or community reservoirs. Reliable access to clean water is essential not only for drinking and cooking but as a fundamental right that affects public health, hygiene, and gender equality.
Read More; Tanzania Proposes ‘Diaspora Tanzanite Card’ for Foreign Citizens
This crisis calls for comprehensive action from government agencies, NGOs, and international organizations to address both water and menstrual hygiene needs. Installing sustainable water infrastructure in areas like Oltepes could dramatically improve quality of life, allowing girls and women to manage their menstrual health more safely and with dignity. Additionally, the introduction of affordable, accessible menstrual products would be transformative, reducing reliance on unsafe methods and helping eliminate a significant barrier to education for young girls.
Public health campaigns aimed at menstrual health education, coupled with efforts to make sanitary products more widely available, could further empower communities like Oltepes. This support would help foster an environment where girls and women can manage their health and educational pursuits without sacrificing their dignity or well-being.
