Menstrual Hygiene Management Day

#ItsTimeForAction

Menstrual Hygiene Management Day

Adolescent girls in Nepal still face many sexual and reproductive health problems and challenges, amidst gender disparity and other discriminatory social norms. Menstruation is one of them. A majority of girls (89%) also experienced some form of restrictions or exclusion. Chhaupadi is an extreme form of menstrual seclusion practice. It is a common social tradition in the far and mid-western hills and mountains that requires menstruating women to leave home and live in a chhau goth (cowshed or hut). Menstrual restrictions and traditional beliefs vary by ethnicity; for example, Hindu ethnic groups such as Brahmin, Chhetri, and Newar, have more restrictions than Janajatis (ethnic Nepalis).

With inadequate education, they lack even a basic understanding of the biological process of menstruation, such as menstrual blood being impure. 

Poor sanitation facilities and unavailability of water supply has exacerbated poor menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls. Many girls experience fear, confusion, and concern at the time of menarche. In Nepal, 83% of the menstruating girls use cloth while only 15% use pads. Mothers are the immediate source for information, and they provide support during menstruation, followed by sisters and female friends. Safe and effective menstrual health management is a critical component of adolescent girls’ sexual and reproductive health.

Menstrual Hygiene Day (MH Day) is a global advocacy platform that brings together the voices and actions of non-profits, government agencies, individuals, the private sector and the media to promote good menstrual hygiene .management (MHM) for all women and girls. More specifically, MH Day: breaks the silence, raises awareness and changes negative social norms around MHM, and engages decision-makers to increase the political priority and catalyse action for MHM, at global, national and local levels. YoSHAN in solidarity joins the MH day movement every year and organizes a series of social media campaigns aligned with the global themes.

Activities