Menstrual Hygiene Day 2026
In the rural heart of Nepal, a natural cycle often brings an unnatural silence. For many adolescent girls, a period means more than just a physical change. It means hesitation and worry. It means missing out on the education they deserve because of a lack of basic facilities and the weight of stigma.
Breaking the Silence: The Barrier to Education
During our work in schools across Nepal, we identified a quiet but significant barrier affecting adolescent girls. Many were missing school for several days each month during their period. This wasn’t due to a lack of interest in their studies, but rather a lack of private facilities and the supportive environment needed to manage menstruation safely and confidently.
To ensure no girl has to choose between her health and her education, we have made Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) a core priority of our school projects.
More Than a Room: A Private Space to Thrive
Our response focuses on both physical facilities and shifting mindsets. In the schools we support, we now construct dedicated MHM rooms—safe, private, and comfortable spaces designed specifically for students.
– Rest and Recovery: Each room is equipped with a bed, allowing girls to rest if they feel unwell and return to their lessons the same day, preventing any interruption to their learning.
– Hygienic Disposal: To maintain a clean environment and reduce social stigma, we install electric incinerators for the safe and discreet disposal of sanitary pads.
– Essential Supplies: Many of our projects ensure that girls have easy access to sanitary pads and the support of school health staff.
“The MHM room has really helped girls like us. During our periods, we have a safe, private place to rest and then return to class with confidence. The incinerator lets us dispose of pads straight away and hygienically, so we feel more comfortable and respected at school.” — Student, Shree Saraswati School
A female student from WANA Secondary School said:
“We even have a nurse at our school. We can go to the MHM room, ask for sanitary pads when we need them, use the changing room, and rest comfortably as well. Among our friends, we often talk about how helpful this has been for adolescent girls. It has made a real difference for us.”
This video was produced by our team in Nepal to help raise awareness of the importance of Menstrual Awareness among women and girls in Nepal.
Through your support, we continue to build schools where every student has the opportunity to thrive. Thank you for helping us restore dignity and provide a brighter future for the children of Nepal.