2. Clatworthy et al.,2020: Monitoring Menstrual Hygiene Management Programming in Emergencies: A Rapid Assessment Tool (M-RAT).  This M-RAT was developed by Columbia University and the International Rescue Committee with the aim of evaluating the status and reach MHM and WASH materials and supplies, supportive facilities, and information in humanitarian settings.

3. Schmitt et al.,2020: Compendium on Menstrual Disposal, Waste Management & Laundering in Emergencies. This compendium was developed by Columbia University and the International Rescue Committee with the aim of providing practical guidance on (1) menstrual material disposal and waste management and (2) menstrual material washing and drying in humanitarian responses and highlighting a range of new solutions currently being tested worldwide.

4. Ademas et al., 2020: Does menstrual hygiene management and water, sanitation, and hygiene predict reproductive tract infections among reproductive women in urban areas in Ethiopia? A community-based cross sectional study was conducted from January to March 2019 among 602 women aged 15–49 years in Dessie city in Ethiopia to investigate the relationship between menstrual hygiene management and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) factors to reproductive tract infections (RTIs). Results:  Changing menstrual products and washing the genital area only once per day during menstruation were associated with 8.99 and 5.76 times higher rates of developing RTIs. Moreover, using unclean latrines and not washing hands with soap before touching the genital area were significantly linked with RTIs.

5. Beksinska et al., 2020: Acceptability of the menstrual cup among students in further education institutions in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. A cohort study was done among 509 female students aged 18-24 years attending education institutions in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa to evaluate long-term (12 months) user acceptability of menstrual cups (MCs). Results: Around 50% of students reported that inserting the MC on first use was very easy or quite easy. Of those who did not find it easy, 80% reported that 2-3 insertions were required to achieve comfort. A maximum of 5 insertions was mentioned to achieve comfort. More than 90% of students who had used the MC reported they would continue to use it at each follow-up visit.

6. Sommer et al., 2020: Menstruation and homelessness: Challenges faced living in shelters and on the street in New York City. This mixed methods study was conducted to highlight both the sheltered and street individuals experiencing homelessness struggles to manage menstruation in New York City from May-August 2019. Results: Researchers report 3 barriers: (1) The absence of private safe spaces for changing menstrual products, (2) the lack of availability for bathing and laundering facilities, and (3) the effects of ongoing menstrual stigma. An overarching theme displayed in this study is a desperate need for more female-friendly, public toilets as well as stocks of free menstrual products.

7. Ramaiya & Sood, 2020: What are the psychometric properties of a menstrual hygiene management scale: a community-based cross-sectional study. A mixed-method cross-sectional study was conducted among 2212 girls aged 12-19 years in three districts of Uttar Pradesh, India to develop and test the psychometric properties of a menstrual hygiene management (MHM) scale using the Joint Monitoring Programme definition and the constructs developed by Muralidharan framework. Results: Only 28% of girls practiced MHM behaviours adequately (adequate preparation, adequate storage, adequate privacy to change, adequate frequency of changing, adequate disposal, and adequate hygiene). The author concludes that MHM is a multi-dimensional construct comprising of two dimensions: menstrual health and hygiene management, suggesting a new term (MHHM) and recommends that future research use the acronym MHHM rather than MHM and conduct further testing of this scale.

8. Jahan 2020: Bleeding during the pandemic: the politics of menstruation. This paper points out challenges menstruators experience during COVID-19 pandemic to fulfil their menstruation needs in Chennai, India. The author argues that physical distancing amid lockdown is practically impossible for residences who have barely two rooms, as housing 5-6 people means that the privacy needed for dignity during menstruation is gone. In addition, the closure of shops and shutdown of transport means less availability and accessibility to menstrual products and essential sexual and reproductive services. Although pharmacies remained open, availability does not automatically translate to affordability as families’ financial difficulties during lockdown made basic provisions unaffordable. In order to ensure provision of basic needs of women and girls during the COVID-19 pandemic, the author recommends provision of safe and clean WASH, door-to-door distribution of menstrual products, as well as informing people about the preparation of safe and healthy menstrual products locally or at home.