Kathmandu, Dec 8 — A three-day International Learning Conference on Dignified Menstruation began today in Kathmandu, marking the 7th annual observance of International Dignified Menstruation Day. The day coincides with the 14th of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, underscoring the link between menstrual equity and human rights. The conference carries the theme “Dignified Menstruation: Reclaim Inherent Dignity, Equity, and Inalienable Rights.”
Organised jointly by Global South Coalition for Dignified Menstruation and Radha Paudel Foundation, the event has drawn over 140 participants — including experts, policymakers, youth activists, and stakeholders from 21 countries. Co-partners include the National Youth Council, Nepal, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Nepal and MenEngage Alliance. Over the next three days, delegates will engage in 13 thematic sessions spanning panel discussions, workshops, research presentations, theatre performances, and the launch of books and songs.
The opening was marked by a vibrant march past featuring dignified-menstruation activists and champions from across the world — from Australia to Benin, France to Nigeria, and the United States to Bhutan — highlighting global solidarity.
The conference seeks not just to raise awareness, but to reclaim menstruation as a natural, dignified part of life — deeply tied to bodily rights, gender equity, and social justice.
Why the Theme of ‘Dignified Menstruation’ Matters: Menstruation, Rights and Reality in Nepal
While the conference focuses on global advocacy, its message resonates powerfully in Nepal, where menstrual stigma and harmful traditions remain entrenched — despite progressive laws. One of the most dangerous of these practices is Chhaupadi, a tradition that forces menstruating women and girls to stay in separate huts or animal sheds, barred from their homes, kitchens, temples, and everyday life.
A study in Far-Western Nepal shows that up to 77% of surveyed adolescent girls still practiced chhaupadi, even after the tradition was criminalized. Another survey of nine districts found nearly 90% of women and girls follow at least one menstrual restriction during their cycle.
These practices carry grave risks. Women exiled to huts face exposure to cold, danger from snake or animal bites, smoke inhalation (if they light fire to stay warm), and even sexual violence (source). Beyond the physical risks, such exclusion reinforces social stigma — portraying menstruation as impure or shameful, and reinforcing gender-based discrimination.
Even day-to-day menstrual hygiene remains a challenge. A recent cross-sectional study among Nepalese schoolgirls found that while over 60% reported using sanitary pads, nearly half still rely on cloth — often old rags — due to lack of affordability or access. Another large-scale survey found that in rural areas only about 9% of women used sanitary pads, while the vast majority still used cloth.
Often, girls are unable to manage hygiene properly at school: lack of disposal mechanisms, privacy, and adequate sanitation means many skip classes during menstruation. This negatively affects education and perpetuates gender inequality.
Towards Dignity and Rights: What Must Change
The launch of this high-profile conference comes at a crucial moment. By bringing together international voices, grassroots activists, and Nepali stakeholders, the event aims to accelerate the push toward dignity, equity, and inalienable menstrual rights.
But the path forward requires more than legislation — it needs social transformation. Laws criminalising harmful practices like chhaupadi already exist, yet enforcement remains weak and attitudes are slow to shift. Real change demands investment in menstrual health education, affordable and accessible menstrual products, safe sanitation infrastructure, and community awareness campaigns that challenge stigma.
Educational institutions and policymakers must view menstrual hygiene management (MHM) not as a women’s issue only, but as a matter of public health, gender equality and human rights. Schools should ensure sanitary facilities, disposal systems, and hygiene education. Local governments and civil society must collaborate to provide low-cost or free menstrual products for women and girls — especially in rural and remote areas.
Finally, community engagement is vital. Men and boys, elders, religious leaders all need to be part of the conversation — dismantling harmful taboos and restoring menstruation as a natural, dignified part of human life.
Global Call, Local Resolve for Dignified Menstruation
As the doors of the International Learning Conference on Dignified Menstruation swing open, Nepal stands at a crossroads: cling to harmful traditions or embrace dignity, equality and rights for half its population.
For many Nepalese women and girls, this conference is more than a symbolic gathering — it could be the first step toward real social transformation. The thread of change lies not just in laws, but in minds, hearts and communities.
As one young activist from the conference declared: “Menstruation is not impurity — it is humanity.”
If Nepal — and the world — can heed that call, perhaps one day all menstruating persons will experience dignity, safety, and respect.
Also read: The Cracks Beneath the ODF Banner: Why Nepal’s Sanitation Success Story Is Struggling to Hold
