End Menstruation Exile.

Nisha lives in a remote area of Nepal in Khaptad Chhanna and her story highlights the discrimination that girls and women face during their periods. Due to limited access to education and awareness about menstruation, Nisha often relied on cotton cloths and school-provided sanitary pads without adequate knowledge of their proper use and hygiene. Also concerns about safety—such as the risk of snake bites and threat of sexual violence—made it difficult for her to feel safe in her ground-floor room during her period. She frequently had to go to the river to wash her items, which was not always a protected or practical option. The lack of appropriate facilities for changing pads and the fear of leakage at school led Nisha and her friends to miss out on vital education for up to seven days each month.

Nisha expressed, “I didn’t want to eat, play, or read. I felt stressed and lacked the care I needed during my period, like not being able to eat when hungry or having no one to provide me with clothes.”

The restrictions on food during menstruation deprived her of essential nutrients and the heavy physical labour of domestic chores- which is expected of girls- resulted in severe bleeding, causing more absences from school.

Efforts to reduce discrimination and menstrual untouchability (exile from socio-economic life during their periods) from our project outreach team have led to increased awareness and support for women and girls. Nutritious foods are now provided during menstruation, and the overall understanding of menstrual health has improved across the community. As a result, young women like Nisha are able to attend school uninterrupted and reduce the risk of infection with safe menstrual practices and disposal of sanitary products.

Together, we can continue to foster an environment where every girl has the opportunity to succeed and to end menstrual exile for good.