Menstrual Hygiene Management in schools of Nepal

ECCA recently constructed separate boys and girl friendly toilets in Shree Sishu Shakshar Basic School of Mechinagar -1, Jhapa. The school has 193 female students.

Lack of proper toilets and water faciltiies had been problematic for both students and the teachers. The number of girls in this government school is much higher than boys. Due to lack of girl friendly toilet in the school, girl students have been facing comparatively much more adjustment problems during school time. "It was not uncommon for 2 to 3 girls taking leave everyday due to menstruation related issue", shared a female teacher.

Chadani, president of school's nature club, aged 13, has been witnessing different kinds of problem regarding menstrual hygiene. She expressed “We used to take lot of leave and we were also not able to express our feelings with our teachers, parents and even our colleagues. But after construction of girl friendly toilet and menstrual hygiene training conducted by ECCA, now we don’t take leave that often during menstruation. We now feel more comfortable talking about it."

ECCA has also guided the school club, such that the students themselves take care of cleaning the toilet, as part of their daily routine.

“Now, all our children are much happier. Especially, girl students are less compelled to go home during menstruation. The school club started to provide sanitary pads to female students without any hesitation. Also, with facility of changing room, towels, soaps the students are having a more comfortable learning environment”, says the principal. “We are very thankful towards ECCA for helping us create this environment”, he added.

Overall, the construction of the toilets and related facilities has contributed to better hygiene and higher attendance of students. We are very thankful for your support.

WASH (Water, sanitation and hygiene) infrastructures support provided by ECCA in Mahendra Secondary School, Kavrepalanchowk is finally bringing positive changes in the school. The infrastructure support included construction of both boys toilet and girl friendly toilet along with water facilities.

Before, the school had single toilet for all students and teachers. But the use of the toilet was minimum. "We had toilet but no water. Without proper water facilities, the toilets were undoubtedly in really bad condition. Many students used to go home if they needed to go for long toilets."

The construction has now eased that harsh situation. According to teachers, students are now a lot regular to school than before. "Especially, separate girls toilet and the incinerator (for burning used sanitary napkins) plus water facilities has benefitted our female students during the time of menstruation, as they can easily change pads in school and, also, disposal is not a problem now", said a female teacher.

Around 120 female students have been benefitted by our girl friendly toilet construction support.

Most importantly, the support has bettered hygiene behavior among smaller students as well.

We are really thankful for your support. Your continuous help will enable us to provide better environment for girls to attend school.