During my participation in the Community Health Diagnosis program in the rural area of Dhading District, Nepal, alongside the National Academy for Medical Sciences, I observed a concerning trend: a significant absence of female students in public schools. Delving into the issue, I discovered that the primary reason behind this was the lack of adequate facilities for menstrual hygiene in schools.
In the aftermath of the 2015 earthquake, the already limited facilities, including toilets, were further compromised. Additionally, the financial constraints faced by many families prevented girls from accessing commercial sanitary pads, impacting their academic pursuits. Witnessing this injustice ignited a determination within me to take action.
I initiated a voluntary program aimed at producing and distributing free sanitary pads in public schools, rallying support from various local organizations. Simultaneously, I embarked on advocacy efforts, engaging with the Government of Nepal and urging public schools to provide complimentary sanitary pads to girls. Through discussions in numerous forums, dialogues with NGOs, and consultations with local authorities, I worked tirelessly to address this pressing issue.
Furthermore, I undertook the task of training and empowering over 10,000 youth and adolescents through extensive school health programs across the nation, with a focus on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights. This grassroots effort aimed to mobilize a generation to advocate for change.
Today, our efforts have borne fruit, with the Government of Nepal allocating funds within the healthcare system to ensure the provision of free sanitary pads to all girls attending public schools. Our advocacy led to the integration of our recommendations into national policy in 2019, marking a significant milestone in our journey. Now, comprehensive school health safety measures, including free sanitary pad distribution, are being successfully implemented for girl students across the country.
This journey, from grassroots activism to national policy reform, stands as a testament to the power of collective action and unwavering dedication to public health advocacy.
Learn more here: https://www.facebook.com/PublicHealthAdvocacyNepal/
