In May 2024, We for Change organized an impactful celebration of Menstrual Hygiene Day to raise awareness about menstrual health, dismantle stigmas, and provide direct support to marginalized women in Nepal. This multi-faceted event included an empowerment flashmob at the iconic Patan Durbar Square, the distribution of menstrual hygiene kits, and a vibrant social media campaign aimed at sparking open discussions about menstruation, which remains a taboo topic in many parts of the country.

Addressing Menstrual Health in Nepal

Menstrual health in Nepal is often overlooked due to deeply ingrained cultural taboos and inadequate access to proper education and sanitation. Many women and girls are excluded from daily activities during menstruation, facing limited access to menstrual products and facilities. This exclusion negatively affects their physical and mental health, school attendance, and participation in community life.

Recognizing the urgency of these issues, We for Change organized the event to raise awareness, educate the community, and challenge the misconceptions around menstruation. Through creative activities and youth involvement, the event aimed to spark a lasting change in how menstrual health is perceived and managed in Nepal.

Event Highlights

1. Empowerment Flashmob at Patan Durbar Square:

The highlight of the event was an empowerment flashmob, performed by youth volunteers in the bustling Patan Durbar Square. This wasn’t just a dance performance but a powerful statement of unity, resilience, and the strength of women. Through choreographed movements, the flashmob embodied the challenges women face during menstruation while promoting the importance of breaking the silence surrounding the topic.

Slogans such as “Break the Taboo” and “Period Positive” were chanted during the performance, emphasizing the need to destigmatize menstruation. The flashmob attracted the attention of passersby and tourists, encouraging them to engage in discussions about menstrual health.

2. Menstrual Hygiene Kit Distribution and Education:

In addition to the flashmob, We for Change distributed 50 menstrual hygiene kits to women from marginalized communities. These kits contained essential hygiene products like sanitary pads, soap, and towels, along with informative pamphlets in Nepali on menstrual hygiene management.

Volunteers also conducted hygiene promotion sessions, educating the recipients on proper handwashing techniques, menstrual health management, and general sanitation. The sessions provided an opportunity for the women to ask questions and discuss their experiences, helping break the silence and stigma surrounding menstruation.

3. Social Media Campaign:

To extend the reach of the event, We for Change launched a dynamic social media campaign using hashtags like #BreakTheTaboo, #PeriodPositive, and #MenstruationMatters. The campaign aimed to engage a broader audience, particularly the youth, in conversations about menstrual health. Flashmob videos, interviews with participants, and educational content were shared across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, amplifying the message and encouraging widespread participation.

Impact and Outcomes

The Menstrual Hygiene Day 2024 celebration achieved significant results, leaving a lasting impact on both the community and participants:

1. Empowered Youth Volunteers: The event provided a platform for youth volunteers to develop leadership and advocacy skills. By participating in the flashmob and educational sessions, these young advocates gained confidence to challenge societal norms and continue raising awareness about menstrual health in their communities.

2. Support for Marginalized Women: The distribution of menstrual hygiene kits provided immediate relief to women from disadvantaged backgrounds. Along with the kits, the hygiene education sessions empowered these women with the knowledge to manage their periods with dignity and care, improving their overall health outcomes.

3. Shifting Societal Attitudes: The flashmob performance, combined with the online campaign, helped shift societal attitudes towards menstruation. The event encouraged open discussions, challenging the deeply rooted myths and misconceptions that often lead to the marginalization of women during their periods. It also sparked a broader conversation in both the local and digital communities, promoting a positive narrative around menstrual health.

Looking Forward

The Celebration of Menstrual Hygiene Day 2024 was a step forward in challenging the stigma surrounding menstruation and advocating for menstrual health rights in Nepal. We for Change successfully brought the conversation about menstrual hygiene into the public space, combining creative expression with direct support for those in need.

Moving forward, it is essential that these conversations continue, both online and offline. Menstruation is a natural part of life, and breaking the taboos surrounding it is crucial to ensuring that every woman and girl has access to the education, products, and support needed to manage their menstrual health with dignity.

By continuing to raise awareness and promote open discussions, We for Change aims to build a future where menstruation is not seen as a source of shame but as a normal and vital part of life—celebrated and understood by all. Together, we can work towards a more inclusive society, where menstrual health is prioritized, and no one is left behind due to outdated taboos and misconceptions.