June 2, 2019 – Saathi provided orientation to school teachers teaching health and population studies and school management committee representatives in Sindhupalchok on dignified menstruation on 2 June, 2019.
The program organized on the occasion of international Menstrual Hygiene Day, globally observed on 28th of May, discussed the challenges school girls face during menstruation, and contemplated the possible solutions in ensuring school as a secure, supportive and dignified place for the menstruating girls.
Speaking at the start of the program Mahendra Bohora, in-charge at the municipal education committee, said that menstrual stigma and lack of facilities at school for menstrual hygiene are still the reasons girls miss school during their period. Saathi’s president Uma Shah highlighted the works the organization is doing in Sindhupalchowk aftermath of the devastation earthquake in 2015 for the safety, security and empowerment of the affected women and girls in the district.
The program facilitated by Saathi’s past president and incumbent vice chair of UN CEDAW committee Bandana Rana aimed at raising awareness and tackling taboos associated with menstrual hygiene, and creating enabling environment for girls at school.
The participants also presented a draft plan for the improvement of the menstrual hygiene facilities at their respective schools. They also expressed commitment to implement the plan they made in the program in next six month.
Education Committee under the Chautara Sangachokgadhi Municipality helped coordinate with schools for the program. 28 representatives from 14 different schools participated in the program. Saathi has been providing support for 7 adolescent girls group in as many schools in the municipality.
