Menstruation signals the beginning of womanhood, an aperture of the reproductive cycle women go through in their lives. Yet, this natural gift of menstruation is surrounded with taboos, stigma and dangerous unhealthy practices hindering women’s physical and mental health.

According to a study conducted by the population services international Nepal in 2018, only one in 10 adolescent girls in Nepal, practice good menstrual hygiene. This effects their education, physical health, psychological and emotional well-being and general quality of life.

Lack of access to clean water, pad disposal and cleaning facilities is resulting in poor hygiene practices among adolescents in Nepal. “Schools need to manage a resting room where female students, teachers and staff girls experiencing acute menstrual pain can take rest and change their clothes when required. The school management should also make hygienic pads available either for free or at affordable cost at the school,” says Guna Raj Shrestha, National convener for the Menstrual Health and Hygiene Management Partners’ Alliance (MHMPA) Nepal.