No Shame to Bleed (NSTB)

During this reporting period, Batch VIII of our Menstrual Health and Hygiene Activists (Sarathi) continued to engage adolescents through peer education and advocacy on menstrual health and broader sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) issues. Through community-based workshops, digital advocacy, and learning opportunities, the Sarathi strengthened their role as youth advocates while expanding access to accurate information among adolescents. 

Over the past four months, Batch VIII Sarathi conducted 12 Menstrual Health Management (MHM) workshops in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Lalitpur districts. Through these sessions, they directly reached 608 adolescents, including 345 female and 228 male participants. Among the participants, 35 were adolescents with visual impairments, reflecting our continued commitment to ensuring that SRHR and menstrual health information is accessible to diverse groups of young people. 

The workshops provided adolescents with a safe and interactive space to discuss topics related to puberty, menstruation, menstrual hygiene management, reproductive health, myths and misconceptions, and the role of boys and men in supporting positive menstrual health experiences. Through peer-led discussions, participants were encouraged to ask questions, share experiences, and challenge stigma associated with menstruation and adolescent health. 

At Visible Impact, we prioritize the quality and effectiveness of the information delivered by our youth advocates. During this reporting period, two workshop sessions that had not previously been monitored were observed by our RMEL Officer. Following these monitoring visits, detailed feedback and recommendations were shared with the Sarathi to strengthen their facilitation skills, improve participant engagement, and further enhance the quality of their advocacy and educational sessions. 

Alongside field implementation, we continued investing in the growth and development of the Sarathi through three learning circles conducted during this reporting period. In addition to two learning session provided to sarathi in earlier reporting period, we conducted three sessions in this semester. One learning circle focused on Value Clarification and Attitude Transformation (VCAT) related to safe abortion, helping participants reflect on personal values, stigma, and rights-based approaches to abortion. A second learning circle focused on mental wellbeing, providing practical discussions on emotional health, self-care, and resilience. The third learning circle focused on grant proposal development, introducing participants to grant opportunities, proposal writing processes, and key considerations for developing strong funding proposals. These learning circles helped strengthen the Sarathi's knowledge, confidence, and leadership capacities beyond their workshop facilitation roles. 

The Sarathi also continued to contribute to digital advocacy efforts through blog writing. By sharing their perspectives and experiences on SRHR and other relevant youth issues, they have expanded the reach of their advocacy beyond in-person workshops. During this reporting period, they continued producing blogs on a range of topics, bringing the cumulative total written by Batch VIII to 41 blogs. Through these articles, they are contributing to informed discussions and promoting access to accurate information among young people. 

We are encouraged by the commitment and leadership demonstrated by Batch VIII Sarathi throughout this reporting period. Their continued efforts to educate peers, strengthen their own capacities, and advocate through both community engagement and digital platforms are helping create a more informed, supportive, and stigma-free environment for adolescents.We sincerely appreciate your continued support in making these initiatives possible. Together, we are helping ensure that adolescents have access to accurate information, meaningful learning opportunities, and supportive spaces where they can discuss issues related to menstrual health and SRHR with confidence and dignity. 

• Photos_June.pdf (PDF)