Help to end menstrual exile in Nepal

Since May 1, we have continued our project “Dignity for Women in Nepal” in the districts of Bajhang, Bajura, and Accham — regions where the practice of menstrual exile, known locally as Chhaupadi, remains deeply entrenched.

While change is slow, progress is visible. More women and communities are beginning to question long-standing traditions. One male teacher shared:

“In the past, women had to stay far from home for seven days. Today, it’s down to five — and they can stay much closer to their families.”

Others echo this shift. Chhaugoths — once dark, cold huts — are increasingly being replaced or upgraded with basic amenities like lighting and simple beds. A local man reflected:

“Women used to live in cramped, dangerous conditions. Now, they have clean, safer spaces.”

Women themselves have played a vital role in these changes. As one woman put it:

“We no longer sleep far away but right next to the house. That was our decision — for our safety and health.”

Yet despite these encouraging signs, many women are still far from living with the dignity they deserve.
They are still forbidden to sleep in their own beds during menstruation. They face dietary restrictions. They are still viewed as “impure.” Harmful superstitions continue to shape their daily lives — often at the cost of their health.

This is where our project makes a difference:

• By organizing discussion groups for mothers and daughters

• By providing menstrual health education in schools and training for teachers

• By renovating school facilities and installing separate toilets with washbasins (WASH) for girls

• By distributing menstrual hygiene kits to girls and women

• By holding workshops with influential local figures, including traditional healers

• And by engaging with local governments, training healthcare workers, and equipping health facilities and maternity wards with essential medical supplies

Because every woman deserves respect.
Every girl deserves safety.
And menstruation should never be a reason for exclusion.

Be a part to foster change - please donate today!

From today - Tuesday - till Friday GlobalGiving is matching your donation up to 46€ (50$) by 50%while funds remain

DIGNITY ROCKS!!!

Education should be a space of empowerment, yet for many adolescent girls in Nepal, the challenges of menstrual health and gender biases in schools remained a daily struggle. While schools on paper had Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) corners, feasibility assessments in the beginning of the project revealed a different reality—many lacked proper equipment, and sanitary pad distribution systems have run dry. Without essential resources, girls continued to face barriers to managing their health with dignity.

Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) education is crucial, yet its effectiveness varied. While some teachers believed the curriculum sufficiently covered vital topics like child marriage and menstrual health, female teachers pointed out a glaring issue—many male teachers used to skip over these topics, leaving students without proper guidance. Therefore, one major challenge of the project was the lack of local representation among secondary school teachers, most of whom were male and not from the community. This detachment from the lived experiences of adolescent girls resulted in a blind spot when it came to recognizing gender discrimination. 

By providing proper resources, strengthening teacher training, and encouraging open discussions about menstrual health and gender equality, the project DIGNITY FOR WOMEN is creating an education system where every girl feels safe, supported, and empowered.

Now it’s time to turn courage into action—because when we break these barriers, we pave the way for stronger, more confident generations.

Please help with your donation to empower women and girls in Nepal!

Thank you for your generosity to make the world a better place!!