WASH for the Perimenopause in Low-Income Countries: Changing Women, Concealed Knowledge?

With the continued ageing of the global population, the proportion of women who are making the transition to menopause in a stage known as the perimenopause, is increasing. Yet, little is known about the water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) needs of perimenopausal women in low-income countries as they go through this time of change, and therefore remain a ‘hidden’ cohort. This paper introduces research which explores these needs, while also documenting the challenges faced in searching for literature on this topic. Some of the sparse literature on experiences of perimenopausal and menopausal women in low-income countries is reviewed. The perimenopause could be the ‘latest taboo’ in WASH, beckoning exploration of the needs of perimenopausal women. It is concluded that a phenomenological review approach can inform how tacit knowledge is explored and captured.