Breaking Barriers and Empowering Nuns with Menstrual Hygiene Management Training.

On June 17, 2024, Drokpo organized a comprehensive menstrual hygiene management (MHM) workshop at Arya Tara Nunnery in Dakchinkali. The workshop aimed to shatter stigma, foster empowerment, and provide 60 nuns with essential education on menstruation. Topics covered included period hygiene, puberty, the menstrual cycle, menstrual products, and the accompanying physical and emotional changes. The session began with an open discussion on menstruation, creating a safe space for nuns to share personal experiences and challenge social norms promoting shame and silence.

To enhance understanding, the workshop incorporated educational videos explaining the menstrual cycle. These visual aids simplified complex topics, making the phases of the cycle more accessible. The videos covered the biology of menstruation and practical hygiene tips. Additionally, the training discussed the pros and cons of different menstrual hygiene products, focusing on their environmental impact and health implications. This aimed to equip the nuns with the information needed to make informed decisions about their menstrual hygiene.

The session also addressed myths and misconceptions, dispelling widespread taboos and stigma. Educational videos on chhaupadi, a harmful practice isolating menstruating women in Nepal's far western regions, provided comprehensive insights into these issues. Nuns and the female teacher shared their first-period experiences and learned to craft reusable cloth pads, which are eco-friendly, chemical-free, and cost-effective alternatives to commercial sanitary products. Drokpo's primary goal was to equip the nuns with the knowledge and skills to manage menstruation with dignity and without shame.

This workshop marked a significant step toward promoting female health, dignity, and environmental sustainability within the nunnery. It empowered the nuns with knowledge, practical skills, and a renewed sense of confidence. By addressing menstrual hygiene openly and practically, the initiative laid the groundwork for a healthier and more sustainable future for the nunnery.