Redefining Menstrual Hygiene: Education, Empowerment & Eco-Friendliness
Menstrual hygiene management (MHM) poses a significant challenges for girl students in schools, particularly in rural areas where there are limited infrastructures and resources dedicated for particular activities. Girls especially in schools struggle in different ways to cope with the challenges faced during their menstrual periods.
In order to address this issue, Nepal Government initiated to provides free sanitary napkin to all the girls students in schools. While providing free sanitary napkins is a positive government initiative, management after its use has been a great challenge. Improper disposal methods, such as dumping in landfill sites, burning or using incineration machines etc. harm the local environment. In addition to this, it draws complaints from nearby residents due to the air and land pollutions.
To address these issues, NEW Initiative in coordination with Konjyosome Rural Municipality is promoting reusable sanitary napkins as an eco-friendly, cost-effective alternative accessible to all students in 8 schools. Additionally, in coordination with Shree Makhamali Women’s Saving and Agricultural Cooperative, a trained human resources to produce these reusable sanitary Napikin at the local level. This has been a sustainable menstrual hygiene solutions with an opportunity for the women’s empowerment and entrepreneurship.
As part of the initiative, a Training of Trainers (TOT) program was organized to prepare a skilled trainers for the eight participating schools to educate others on menstrual hygiene management. Two teachers each from all the schools were invited to participate in the training program. Using engaging materials like illustrated flip charts, video presentation, information power points etc, the master facilitators conducted interactive sessions during the training program. The trained facilitators thereafter organized various sessions within their schools through using various facilitation materials like flip chart and video, making it easier for students and teachers to understand the importance of menstrual hygiene and the benefits of reusable sanitary napkins.
To identify existing gaps, a baseline survey involving 528 participants, including students and teachers was conducted. The findings highlighted significant deficiencies in menstrual hygiene knowledge and practices, emphasizing the critical need for such interventions.
The project achieved several notable milestones. Reusable sanitary napkins were distributed to students, ensuring access to eco-friendly and cost-effective menstrual hygiene products. Teachers and parents participated in orientation sessions, creating a supportive environment for young girls to navigate their menstrual health confidently. Students were engaged in workshops that encouraged open discussions, breaking societal taboos and fostering self-assurance. Additionally, local women received entrepreneurship training to produce reusable sanitary napkins, empowering them economically while establishing a sustainable supply chain. Together, these efforts aimed to improve menstrual hygiene practices, challenge cultural stigmas, and promote environmental sustainability.
Reusable sanitary napkins offer both environmental and economic benefits by reducing pollution from single-use napkins and helping families save money. The initiative promoting these eco-friendly products has been warmly received by students, teachers, and parents, who appreciate the long-term advantages of sustainability and affordability. Beyond providing practical solutions, the project has fostered a culture of openness around menstruation, with students feeling more comfortable discussing menstrual health, teachers becoming better equipped to address related issues, and parents showing increasing support. By combining education, sustainable products, and community involvement, the project is making a lasting impact in Konjyosome Rural Municipality, creating more inclusive, environmentally responsible school environments for all students.
This project is being supported by Stiftung Soziale Und Okologische Zukunft (SOEZ), German.