Shattering Menstrual Shame in Nepal

Thank you for your contribution to the Days for Girls (DfG) Shattering the Shame project through GlobalGiving. We remain committed to improving the lives of women and girls in rural Nepal by providing the tools and knowledge necessary to ensure that women and girls achieve menstrual equity. 

Since our last report, DfG Nepal has reached an additional 225 women and girls in the Godawari Municipality, Kailali District, with distributions occurring first at a school and then in a local village. Each participant was given a patented DfG menstrual Kit which will last at least three years. Additionally, they received vital health education which includes the menstrual cycle, anatomy, reproductive systems, hygiene, self defense, and human trafficking.

The total number of women and girls reached with Kits and education in Kailali is up to 1,589 since our pilot which began in December 2020. In 2022 so far, we have also reached 352 boys in the Godawari Municipality with Men Who Know training. This important health training includes anatomy, male and female reproductive systems, and hygiene. Each of these men, women, boys, and girls are now armed with knowledge on how to make healthy decisions and respectfully support each other. 

Meanwhile, despite the fact that the government of Nepal has made Chhaupadi (the practice of relegating women to huts during menstruation) illegal and caused the huts to be torn down, residents of some of the villages have rebuilt them. Through DfG women's circles, we are discussing this practice and ways to ensure menstruators’ safety and dignity. While we realize that some cultural customs run deep in these societies, we remain resolved to ending this dangerous practice. 

Following some of the DfG distributions and education sessions, the team traveled to assess the menstrual health needs of nearby villages. We are pleased that we have been invited back to these villages to conduct education sessions and distribute DfG Kits in the future. 

Thank you for your part in helping us bring menstrual dignity, equity, and respect to women and girls (and men and boys) in rural Nepal. 

Namaste!