By Medha Sharma | Project Lead
Since their inception, Batch VII of our Menstrual Health and Hygiene Activists (Sarathis) has been actively providing comprehensive menstrual health education and breaking taboos around menstruation to empower adolescents with the accurate knowledge, attitude and skills. Over the last four months, they have conducted eleven school-based workshops, covering vital topics like the menstrual cycle, menstrual hygiene management, social stigmas, menstruation myths and the role of men and boys in menstruation. These workshops have directly reached over 300 adolescents in grade 6-12 across Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Rasuwa and are expected to further benefit their immediate families and communities through knowledge-sharing.
These workshops have served as safe spaces where adolescents can ask questions, build knowledge and create supportive networks among their peers. Our approach of including both boys and girls in the workshops, alongside engaging male Sarathis as facilitators, has further fostered open dialogue around menstruation, encouraging greater acceptance and helping them embrace menstruation more openly.
Our Sarathis have also extended their outreach to marginalized groups, who often face significant challenges, including limited access to menstrual products, sanitation facilities and accurate information. Among these groups are orphanages, where they recently conducted a workshop and provided dignity kits to ensure that these adolescents have the resources needed to manage their menstruation effectively.
Additionally, our team at Visible Impact ensures that the information provided through these workshops is accurate through regular monitoring visits. Reflecting on one of the sessions she monitored, our RM&E Associate praised our activists’ coordination with the school and their excellent time management, noting that the session was effectively executed.
In addition to empowering young adolescents with accurate information on effective menstrual hygiene management, Sarathis have also been engaged in blog writing, extending their advocacy through a broader social media reach. In their articles, they have explored topics ranging from personal experiences with menstruation, menstrual taboos and challenges, to the complexities of menstrual needs among astronauts in space.
To further enrich their experience as young leaders and support personal development, Sarathis have also been participating in learning circles on various topics. In November 2024, they attended a session on blog writing, which has visibly improved their writing skills, as seen in their recent publications. This very learning circle also included a session on email etiquette, helping our Sarathis improve their professional communication skills. In January this year, a learning circle on data analysis was also conducted, where experts shared practical tips on using different software, equipping them to evaluate the impact of their workshops more effectively.
We are extremely proud of the passion and commitment demonstrated by our current batch of Menstrual Health and Hygiene Activists. As they move forward, we are confident that their efforts will create lasting impacts on young girls and boys in and around the Kathmandu Valley.
We truly appreciate your ongoing support, which is instrumental in bringing these transformative initiatives to life. Together, we are paving way for a future where menstruation is not seen as a personal issue but is understood, supported and embraced as a shared concern.
By Shilpa Lamichhane | Executive Director
By Shilpa Lamichhane | Program Manager
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