No Shame to Bleed (NSTB)

Driven by their mission to empower young people with accurate information and equip them with the right attitudes and skills with regard to menstruation, a topic that is still considered taboo in our communities, Batch VII of our Menstrual Health and Hygiene Activists (Sarathis) successfully conducted 40 workshops in schools throughout their tenure, which concluded in July 2025. In total, they directly engaged over 1,365 adolescents through these school-based sessions, covering essential topics such as the menstrual cycle, hygiene practices, societal taboos, myths about menstruation, and the vital role of men and boys in breaking these barriers. 

We believe that the positive impact of these sessions will extend to the participants' families and communities as they pass on what they've learned. The workshops have provided a safe environment where both boys and girls can enhance their understanding of menstruation, challenge the silence around it, and build supportive networks with their peers, creating a more accepting space for open discussions. 

As Batch VII neared the end of their tenure, we held a graduation event to celebrate their accomplishments. During the event, they reflected on their achievements, shared personal stories, and participated in fun, engaging activities. After bidding them farewell, we were thrilled to welcome Batch VIII into our Menstrual Health Management initiative, 'Sarathi.' This new group of 10 passionate activists - 3 male and 7 female - has already begun their journey to promote menstrual health awareness across the Kathmandu Valley and surrounding areas. With most members having a background in health education, Batch VIII is committed to making a meaningful impact in their communities. 

To prepare them for their role, Batch VIIISarathis underwent a comprehensive 3-day Training of Trainers (ToT) from July 21 to 23, 2025. Facilitated by seasoned trainers and experienced Sarathis of the previous batch, the training covered a wide range of critical topics essential to menstrual health management and advocacy, including Changes in boys and girls during puberty, Anatomy and Physiology of Reproductive Systems, Menstruation and managing common discomforts, Myths and Taboos, Risky Behaviors and Complications, Role of Men in Menstruation, Disability and key menstrual issues faced by persons with disabilities, Menstrual Health-Friendly Schools, and so on. 

Upon completing their training, each Sarathi in Batch VIII developed a personalized action plan for their year-long tenure. In the months following their training, Batch VIII has already made strides in implementing these plans, conducting 5 school-based workshops both within the Kathmandu Valley and beyond. Working in pairs, they’ve been able to effectively reach adolescent students, covering key topics such as menstrual hygiene management, challenging social stigmas, and dispelling common myths about menstruation. 

These workshops create safe spaces where adolescents can ask questions, deepen their understanding, and build supportive peer networks. Batch VIII’s early efforts are not only raising awareness but also empowering young people to openly embrace and discuss menstrual health. 

We are thrilled with the dedication and enthusiasm of this new batch and look forward to witnessing the lasting impact of their efforts, all of which are made possible by your continued support. Together, we’re fostering a more informed, empowered, and inclusive future for all. 

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Batch VII of our Menstrual Health and Hygiene Activists (Sarathis) has been actively reshaping how we approach menstrual health education and dismantling the stigmas surrounding menstruation. With their mission to empower young people with accurate information, fostering the right attitudes and skills, they have conducted 19 workshops in schoolsover the past four months. Directly reaching over 530 adolescents studying in grade 4-10 across various government and private schools in Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Nuwakot, Sindhupalchowk, Lamjung, and Pokhara, they have touched upon crucial subjects such as the menstrual cycle, hygiene practices, societal taboos, myths surrounding menstruation, and the important role that men and boys play in breaking these barriers in these sessions. The ripple effect of these sessions is expected to positively impact their families and communities as they share their newfound knowledge. 

These workshops have served as safe spaces for young boys and girls to not only gain deeper understanding on menstruation and break silence around it, but also form supportive networks with their peers. Their inclusive approach has helped increase acceptance, making participantsfeel more comfortable with the topic of menstruation. 

Our Sarathis have also made an extra effort to reach marginalized groups who often face additionalbarriers to menstrual health. Recently, two of our Sarathisconducted a team session for students with blindness in Pokhara and distributed dignity kits to help ensure that these young people have what they need to manage their menstruation effectively. 

Over time, we have not only seen our Sarathis spread awareness on menstruation, but also grow as leaders, effectively delivering contents. During one session that was closely monitored by our RM&E Officer, she noted, “Any challenges or unexpected questions that came up were addressed promptly and thoughtfully. The facilitators remained adaptable and present, ensuring that the session proceeded without any interruptions.” 

Beyond the workshops, Sarathis have also extended their advocacy to the online space, contributing to a growing body of work on menstrual health and related topic. In the last few months, they’ve written 22 blog posts covering a wide range of topics, from early marriage and abortion to newer issues like artificial intelligence, digital health, and gendered social pressures. They’ve balanced informative articles with personal reflections and fiction, further developing their research and writing skills.  

To support their growth as young leaders, Sarathis have also been engaging in learning circles that focus on personal and professional development. Some recent ones include a follow-up on quantitative data analysis, where they dove deeper intousing software tools and analysis methods. Addressing the stressful realities that young people face, a session on stress management was also conducted in collaboration with experts from Mann ka Kura, an organization actively working in the field of mental health awareness, counseling, and therapy. This session provided Sarathis with practical stress management techniques.  

We couldn’t be prouder of the dedication and passion our Sarathis are showing. Thank you for your ongoing support in making these transformative initiatives a reality. Together, we’re building a future where dignified menstruation isn’t a hidden topic, but a shared conversation that’s embraced, understood, and supported by all. 

• Photoes__NSTB.pdf (PDF)