Dulaari, SRHR Education and Access in Nepal

Dulaari: Advancing SRHR Education and Menstrual Health Access for Women and Adolescent Girls in Nepal

In Nepal, the Right to Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health Act (2018) defines reproductive health as the physical, mental, and social well-being related to the reproductive system, process, and function. Article 38 of the Constitution of Nepal further guarantees women’s reproductive rights, making safe motherhood, access to reproductive health services, and the right to make informed choices legal entitlements.Yet, for many women and girls, especially in rural and marginalized communities, these rights remain out of reach. Barriers like stigma, lack of information, limited access to services, and deeply ingrained menstrual taboos create gaps between policy and lived reality.A Journey Rooted in Education and Access

At SAATH, Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) has been a cross-cutting theme in our Life Skills Training Program since 2015. But in 2024, we took a bold step forward, launching Dulaari as an independent and structured project under our signature program Awasar.

Dulaari builds on years of community engagement in Sindhupalchowk and Janakpur, aiming to expand SRHR awareness and improve menstrual health access for women and adolescent girls in Nepal. Our two-pronged approach combines Education and Access, empowering women and girls with knowledge of their rights, health, and choices and distributing affordable, safe, and sustainable menstrual hygiene kits.

Menstrual stigma often compounds these issues, leading to school absenteeism, health risks, and reduced autonomy. Practices like chhaupadi, the isolation of menstruating women, persist, intensified by poor facilities and lack of awareness.

From Fundraising to Fieldwork

Our journey with Dulaari began in October 2023 with a group of women from Musahar communities in Dhanushadham, Janakpur. We immediately launched a fundraiser on GlobalGiving that continues today.

In these years, we have engaged with 181 women and adolescent girls across multiple locations. We garnered financial support from our sustainability partner, Danfe Works, to work with multiple manufacturing units across the valley. We also partnered with brands like Docha and Goodweave and made SRHR part of our existing training centers. 

101 women attended one-day workshops in Kathmandu and Janakpur, receiving menstrual hygiene products, while 80 women joined three-day intensive workshops and received a curated menstrual kit, including menstrual underwear, regular underwear, an SRHR booklet, soap, towel, scrunchie, all in a reusable pouch.

SRHR Defenders: Women Leading Change

We trained 8 SRHR defenders in Bagmati and Madhesh provinces, with 6 actively leading community-based workshops ranging from one-day sessions to three-day intensive trainings, followed by kit distribution. These defenders are now local champions, bringing knowledge directly into their communities.

What Participants Say

For many, Dulaari workshops were the first time they learned about essential aspects of their bodies and rights.

“I’m grateful for having the opportunity to learn about unknown and unheard topics and the opportunity for being able to teach it to others.” – Janakpur Participant
“I learnt that me and my sexual partner should get checked every 6 months to prevent STDs and diagnose it at an early stage.” – Saptari Participant
“I never knew that condoms for women existed too and that they are called femidom.” – Janakpur Participant
“I had the opportunity to learn about human and women’s rights.” – Saptari Participant
“We were quite unaware about our own bodies. We got answers to our unanswered questions and doubts. However, the duration of the workshop was too short. I hope for a longer workshop next time.” – Janakpur Participant
“I’m very thankful to SAATH for organizing this. But as daily wage workers, it’s hard to attend full-day workshops. I wish the duration was shorter.” – Saptari Participant

While the feedback was largely positive, participants shared recommendations for greater impact. A Saptari Participant suggested that younger girls should have participated as they are more vulnerable, while Hira Devi Sada emphasized the need to include teenagers as well. Additionally, a Janakpur Participant recommended incorporating practical skills such as learning to make reusable cloth pads themselves.

Menstrual Health as the Gateway to Rights

At Dulaari, we see menstrual health as the entry point to broader SRHR awareness. When women and girls have access to safe products, accurate information, and supportive communities, they are better able to claim their health rights, make informed choices, and break free from harmful traditions.

Our work is far from done. We will continue expanding Dulaari to reach younger girls, train more SRHR defenders, and incorporate sustainable menstrual product-making skills into workshops. We aim to make menstrual health, and by extension, reproductive rights, accessible for all women and girls in Nepal, regardless of their geography, income, or background.

Because every woman deserves dignity, safety, and the right to make informed choices about her own body.