The Challenge: Knowledge and Access Gaps
Since 2021, our Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) Programme has been breaking taboos and empowering girls in rural schools and women in communities to manage menstruation safely and confidently.
When girls reach puberty and beyond, menstruation is a natural part of life — but in rural Nepal it is often surrounded by silence, stigma, and limited access to resources. This creates real barriers:
Health Risks – Poor hygiene can lead to infections and long-term health issues.
Educational Challenges – Girls attend school, but limited knowledge, inadequate facilities, and stigma can make learning uncomfortable and full participation difficult.
Social Isolation – Cultural taboos often exclude girls and women from daily activities, lowering confidence and self-esteem.
Economic Burden – Disposable products are costly, often inaccessible, and environmentally unsustainable.
Our programme addresses these challenges head-on, creating supportive communities where menstruation is understood, normalised, and managed with dignity.
Our Approach
Comprehensive Workshops: Delivered by our Nepal team in schools and communities, these interactive sessions teach girls and young women about the biological process of menstruation in a safe, supportive environment.
Practical Skills & Reusable Pads – Each girl or woman receives two reusable pads and learns to make her own, providing a sustainable, affordable, and comfortable solution. Sessions also cover hygiene, nutrition, pain management, and safe disposal.
Breaking the Taboo: We engage both male and female community members to challenge misinformation and cultural stigma, creating a more supportive environment for girls.
“Learning to sew my own pads and understanding my body has changed everything for me. I feel confident, and I am proud.”
The Impact
Improved Health – Lower risk of infection and better overall well-being.
School Participation – Girls attend school with confidence and comfort during their periods.
Confidence & Dignity – Understanding their bodies helps girls feel proud and self-assured.
Gender Equality – Open conversations break taboos and promote fairness.
Sustainability – Reusable pads are safe, eco-friendly, and cost-effective.
Why It Matters
Informed & Confident Girls – Knowledge empowers girls to fully participate in school and community life.
Practical, Safe Solutions – Reusable products are hygienic, breathable, sustainable, and reduce infection risks.
Your support helps us expand this life-changing programme. By donating today, you can help First Steps Himalaya and our Nepal team reach more schools, educate more communities, and give girls and women the knowledge, resources, and confidence they need to thrive.
