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Article 25 of the International declaration of Human Rights states that everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family; including food, clothing, housing and medical care. Necessary social services for motherhood and childhood are entitled to special care and assistance.
Low cost feminine hygiene is a priority. Menstruation continues to be shrouded in misconceptions and perceived as a matter of extreme embarrassment. In rural parts of Nepal menstruation and menstrual practices are clouded by taboos and social restrictions for women and girls. The socio-cultural norms in the community discourage discussion about puberty and menstruation within and outside the family, thus leading to poor and unhygienic practices in managing menstruation. Girls have little opportunity to take care of their health and other requirements. On account of the traditional patriarchy followed since time immemorial, often their contribution is not accounted and valued. Lack of communication between parents and girls creates a gap.
Women's health and hygiene has been one of the key concerns over the years across the world. The awareness on menstrual hygiene and usage of Washable Sanitary Pads is virtually absent in less developed countries. Poor menstrual hygiene can cause fungal infections, repeated infections to RTI, cervical cancer and infertility. Reproductive hygiene education and sexual education is not a part of any education system in Nepal.
In rural Nepal, misconception of menstruation still prevails. Many schools in rural Nepal are still following the old age traditional practice. Many girls don't go to school during menstruation due to various factors such as an old concept requiring girls to sit alone during menstruation, lack of sanitary pad, lack of proper toilet facilities in school. For the first timer, it is a bit of a nightmare due to the lack of counselling and lack of communication between mother and daughter. It is critical that both mothers and daughters get educated on this important issue.
Katari is a Municipality in Udayapur District in the Koshi province of south-eastern Nepal. The total population is 59505 including 30,639 women from with 14,106 households .The female population 15-50 is around 12,341 More than 85% of the population is engaged in agriculture. It is the main source of income for most. There are 1 municipal hospital and 12 sub health posts located in this area.
In this Kattari Municipality, old age misconception and practices on menstruation still prevail. Girl student normally don't go to school during menstruation. Rarely do they have pad to use during menstruation. They are using old clothes and rags during their menstruation instead of pads. This is a major reason for many infections in the reproductive systm of many women and girls. It is evident, that both an awareness and educational program and access to sanitary pad is needed at the local level. Providing the knowledge to sew the pads locally will provide ease of access, favorable cost, and economic opportunities.
Project Goal:
Help move towards a world where girls feel empowered in their bodies,
achieve economic independence, understand their reproductive and sexual health options, and
harness the power to shape their lives.
Project Objectives:
• Educate women & girls on menstrual hygiene
• Support washable sanitary pad kits
• Provide economic opportunities through sewing washable sanitary pad kits
• Encourage local government to prioritize menstrual hygiene and promote the Nepal Government concept of free sanitary pad
This project will benefit more than 7000 girls and women of Kattari Municipality.
Rotary members will involve both in project management and monitoring & evaluation.
Project Activities
1.TOT on menstrual Health Management for 28 girls.
2.Awareness on menstrual Health Management for 7000 girls and women.
3.Distribution of 7000 Days for Girls Kits (Washable Sanitary Pads) .
4.Setup of sewing center & training on washable sanitary pad to 12 girls.
5.5 Hoarding board about Menstrual Health Management
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