Free Menstrual Hygiene Management and Gynecology Health Screening Program in Tibetan Refugee Settlement Camps, Pokhara
Refugee settlements face overcrowded living conditions, limited resources, and inadequate access to basic healthcare services, significantly impacting women and girls in managing their menstrual hygiene and health risks. Due to the stigma attached to periods and insufficient period education, addressing reproductive health issues, including gynecological exams, is challenging within Tibetan settlement camps. To combat these challenges, Drokpo Nepal partnered with the Conscious Connection Foundation (CCF) to launch a 12-day menstrual hygiene awareness and gynecology screening campaign in the Pokhara refugee settlements.
Our team collaborated closely with Pokhara settlements to organize and implement the project, aiming to enhance community understanding of menstrual practices and hygiene behaviors. Temporary health clinics were established in each settlement camp to facilitate the successful implementation of menstrual and gynecology screening programs. With the assistance of trained medical experts, trainers, settlement officers, and community health workers, the campaign reached a total of 370 young girls and women (ages 8 to 86) across the settlement camps.
The sessions covered various topics, including the biology of menstruation, menstrual product usage, reproductive system anatomy, and menstrual problem management. Furthermore, the workshops provided a safe space for women to discuss menstrual myths and misconceptions prevalent in the refugee camp setting. Practical training on making sanitary cloth pads and maintaining hygiene was also provided to empower women.
Gynecology screenings were conducted in Tashiling, Tashi Palkhiel, Jampaling, and Paljorling camps, where 289 young girls and women underwent pap smear tests and screening for gynecological issues. The screenings, conducted by a team of professional doctors, assistants, and community health workers, were followed by the distribution of medicines and counseling to participants.
As part of the program, menstruation kits containing essential hygiene products were distributed to women, young girls, and schoolchildren in the Settlement Camp, complementing the Gynecology Health Camp and MHM Workshop.
Drokpo remains committed to fostering healthier and more resilient communities by addressing the gaps in period education among women and girls in refugee settlements. Our efforts aim to empower them to participate fully in daily activities without discomfort or embarrassment.
Our team collaborated closely with Pokhara settlements to organize and implement the project, aiming to enhance community understanding of menstrual practices and hygiene behaviors. Temporary health clinics were established in each settlement camp to facilitate the successful implementation of menstrual and gynecology screening programs. With the assistance of trained medical experts, trainers, settlement officers, and community health workers, the campaign reached a total of 370 young girls and women (ages 8 to 86) across the settlement camps.
The sessions covered various topics, including the biology of menstruation, menstrual product usage, reproductive system anatomy, and menstrual problem management. Furthermore, the workshops provided a safe space for women to discuss menstrual myths and misconceptions prevalent in the refugee camp setting. Practical training on making sanitary cloth pads and maintaining hygiene was also provided to empower women.
Gynecology screenings were conducted in Tashiling, Tashi Palkhiel, Jampaling, and Paljorling camps, where 289 young girls and women underwent pap smear tests and screening for gynecological issues. The screenings, conducted by a team of professional doctors, assistants, and community health workers, were followed by the distribution of medicines and counseling to participants.
As part of the program, menstruation kits containing essential hygiene products were distributed to women, young girls, and schoolchildren in the Settlement Camp, complementing the Gynecology Health Camp and MHM Workshop.
Drokpo remains committed to fostering healthier and more resilient communities by addressing the gaps in period education among women and girls in refugee settlements. Our efforts aim to empower them to participate fully in daily activities without discomfort or embarrassment.
Drokpo Nepal team is conducting gynecology screening and menstrual hygiene workshops in the Tibetan Settlement camp, providing hands-on sanitary padmaking training.