No Shame to Bleed (NSTB)

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)