Help to end menstrual exile in Nepal

On the second of December, we celebrate Giving Tuesday all around the world—a day of generosity, hope, love, recognition, and appreciation. The beginning of the last month of the year marks a season in which we celebrate kindness and compassion in many different ways. Let’s dedicate this time to sharing with those who need our support.

Women and young gilrs from marginalised communities in Nepal are among those who have little chance of escaping their disadvantaged circumstances without the help of people who are able—and willing—to share.

For many girls in Nepal, something as simple as a sanitary pad can change everything.
In our project community in Mellekh, girls shared how access to menstrual products has transformed their daily lives—and restored their confidence.

“Girls feel safer now,” Kabita told us. “When we use sanitary pads, we can join community events without worry or hesitation. There are no blood stains, so no one knows we are on our period, and that makes us feel confident.”

For the first time, the girls could walk through the village without fear of teasing.
“Boys don’t mock us anymore,” she said. “Before, they would gossip when we passed by or even block our way. Some people even claimed that our cows would get sick if we were around during our period. But things are changing. The verbal abuse has gone down.”

This shift is more than a practical improvement—it is a step toward dignity, equality, and freedom.

Her heartfelt wish says it all:
“I hope more programs like this come to our area.”

Thanks to your support, we are making that hope a reality—one girl, one community, one act of empowerment at a time.

Please be one of the people who change the lives of young girls like Kabita!

Thank you for your generosity! On **Giving Tuesday—December 2nd—**your donation will be boosted by GlobalGiving, so it will have even greater impact!

Links:

• Distribution of hygiene pads in Western Nepal

Salita Gurung is our project manager from Green Tara Trust in Nepal, our local project partner.

She expresses her gratitude for helping the local communities to overcome menstruation exile.The community is changing its attitude towards menstruating girls and women. They are gaining self-confidence and can go to school and work.

The project has made significant progress in breaking taboos surrounding menstruation and improving menstrual hygiene among girls and women in Mellekh. Through community collaboration and strong support from the local government, the activities have successfully led to behavioral change and increased awareness of menstrual health and dignity.

The project has received strong support from the community. The district chairman expressed his appreciation for the project, noting that while Chhaupadi is a priority issue, local resources have not been sufficient to address it effectively. "We have been trying to do something about Chhaupadi for a long time. It was a priority in our annual plan, but we never had the funds or resources to implement it. I am very happy that through this project we are finally doing something that really works."

Similarly, Savitri Khadka, head of the Women and Children's Department, emphasized the importance of involving men in the project, as she recognized that addressing gender roles is essential for sustainable change. “I really like this project because it also involves men. Often, men don't help their wives at home. They drink, gamble, and dominate their wives. When they participate in the discussions, things start to change.”

The girls show great interest in learning more about menstrual hygiene and receiving sanitary pads, which indicates a growing openness and self-determination among young people.

Links:

• Salita says thank you!