World Menstrual Hygiene Day

World Menstrual Hygiene Day, observed every year on 28 May, has become a powerful global platform to speak openly about periods, combat stigma, and demand better access to menstrual products, infrastructure, and information.

In Nepal, where majestic Himalayan landscapes meet deeply rooted social and cultural norms, menstrual health remains a public health, education, gender equality, and human rights issue. Harmful practices like Chhaupadi are legally banned yet still persist in some communities. Policies look strong on paper, but implementation gaps, stigma, and inequity continue to affect girls’ health, dignity, and education.

This comprehensive blog post explores:

The history and global context of World Menstrual Hygiene Day
How Nepal has embraced and localized the day
Celebration techniques suitable for schools, local governments, and NGOs
Key statistics showing why menstrual hygiene matters
The evolution of MH Day slogans up to 2025
The current situation of menstrual health in Nepal
Policies and guidelines that frame menstrual health management (MHM)
Practical ideas on how to get involved

1. What is World Menstrual Hygiene Day – and why 28 May?

World Menstrual Hygiene Day (MH Day) was launched in 2014 by the German-based NGO WASH United to start a global conversation around menstruation and menstrual hygiene.

The date itself is symbolic:

28 – a typical menstrual cycle is around 28 days
5 – on average, menstruation lasts about five days

Since its inception, MH Day has grown into a global advocacy movement, supported by thousands of partners worldwide, focusing on periods as a normal part of life rather than a source of shame or secrecy.

2. Why Menstrual Hygiene Day Matters So Much in Nepal

Research and field experience in Nepal show that MH Day is far more than a symbolic event. It directly connects to health, education, gender equality, and social justice.

2.1 Key realities in Nepal

Studies and program reports from Nepal indicate that:

Restrictions and taboos: Around 9 out of 10 women and girls face some form of restriction during menstruation (e.g., bans on entering temples, kitchens, or participating in family events).
Product use: About 53.8% of women and girls use sanitary pads, while around 42.9% still rely mainly on cloth, often without proper washing/drying, which can increase infection risk.
Daily scale: Approximately 290,000 women and girls in Nepal are menstruating on any given day.
Barriers to proper management: Around 39% face barriers to adequate menstrual hygiene management due to cost, distance, poor WASH facilities, or stigma.
School absenteeism: Studies estimate that 15–22% of girls miss school during menstruation at least sometimes. On average, this may be about 0.5 days of school missed per year, but even this “small” number can accumulate and is largely preventable with proper facilities and support.

These figures show why MH Day is critical for Nepal: it keeps menstrual health on the political agenda, mobilises communities, and builds empathy among boys, men, parents, teachers, and local leaders.

3. Global Theme 2025: “Together for a #PeriodFriendlyWorld” – Localised as #PeriodFriendlyNepal

In recent years, MH Day has moved from yearly changing themes to a long-term mission:

“Together for a #PeriodFriendlyWorld”

The mission calls for a world where:

Menstruation is openly talked about, without shame
Everyone can access safe, affordable menstrual products
All children and young people receive accurate menstrual education
Health services are period-aware and respectful
Schools, workplaces, and public spaces have period-friendly toilets and disposal systems

In Nepal, this vision is increasingly being translated as:

“Together for a #PeriodFriendlyNepal”

This localized framing speaks directly to Nepal’s reality: federal governance, diverse geography, and persistent inequalities.

4. Historical Roots and Nepal’s Journey with MH Day

4.1 Global origins

2014 – First World Menstrual Hygiene Day, initiated by WASH United
Over time, MH Day matured into a global movement involving NGOs, governments, UN agencies, youth networks, schools, and grassroots groups.

4.2 Nepal’s path from silence to structured action

Nepal’s visible engagement with MH Day began around 2014–2015, a period that also coincided with:

Post-earthquake recovery, where WASH and hygiene access became critical
Increasing attention on Chhaupadi and other discriminatory practices
Expansion of school health and WASH programmes

Actors like UNICEF Nepal, WaterAid, national NGOs, youth groups, and local governments gradually integrated MH Day into their programming. By 2019, events had expanded from isolated school sessions to district and national campaigns, including policy dialogues.

By 2025, MH Day is firmly embedded in Nepal’s advocacy calendar, linking:

Free sanitary pad distribution in schools
WASH in Schools standards
Chhaupadi criminalization
Policy briefs on “dignified menstruation”
Budget and legal reforms such as removal of taxes on menstrual products

5. Celebration Techniques in Nepal: From Grassroots to National Scale

Nepal’s MH Day celebrations creatively combine awareness, service delivery, policy advocacy, and cultural sensitivity. Common approaches include:

5.1 Community and school-based activities

Awareness workshops on menstrual physiology, hygiene practices, nutrition, and mental health
Myth-busting sessions that openly discuss taboos, Chhaupadi, and restrictions
School competitions (essay writing, art, quizzes, drama, debate) involving both girls and boys
Demonstrations on how to use, wash, and store reusable pads

5.2 Product distribution and access support

Distribution of sanitary pads and reusable products to students and vulnerable groups
Installation of “pad ATMs” or emergency pad corners in schools
Linking MH Day with the government’s free pad programme so girls know where and how to access supplies

5.3 Media and digital advocacy

Social media campaigns using hashtags like #PeriodFriendlyWorld, #PeriodFriendlyNepal
Short videos and reels featuring health workers, FCHVs, teachers, or youth leaders answering common menstrual questions
Radio talk shows in local languages tackling stigma and misinformation

5.4 Policy dialogues and professional events

Local government meetings discussing budget allocation for pads and WASH in Schools
Conferences and panel discussions on “dignified menstruation” and equity (e.g., in Kathmandu and provincial capitals)
Integration of menstrual health into broader conversations on gender-based violence, SRHR, climate resilience, and disaster preparedness

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6. Statistics at a Glance: Why Nepal Must Prioritize Menstrual Hygiene

Category	Nepal – Approximate Data	What It Tells Us
Restrictions during menstruation	~90% of women/girls face some restriction	Deep-rooted stigma; need for social norm change
Product usage	53.8% use pads; 42.9% use cloth	Affordability and access gaps remain significant
School absenteeism	15–22% girls miss school at least sometimes	Facilities, pain, and stigma affect learning
Average days missed per year	~0.5 days per girl	“Small” but preventable loss with better MHM
Daily menstruators	~290,000 women and girls	MHM is a large-scale, everyday policy issue
Barriers to proper MHM	~39% face major barriers	Need for integrated WASH, product, and education

(Exact figures vary by study, province, and rural–urban setting, but the pattern is consistent: progress with persistent gaps.)

7. Slogans and Messaging: From Breaking Silence to Building a Period-Friendly Nepal

MH Day slogans and messaging reflect how the global conversation has evolved over time:

2014 – “Let’s Start the Conversation About Menstruation”
2015–2016 – “Let’s End the Hesitation Around Menstruation” / “Menstruation Matters. Period.”
2017–2018 – “Education About Menstruation Changes Everything” / “#NoMoreLimits”
2019–2020 – “It’s Time for Action” / “Periods in Pandemics” (COVID-19 era)
2021–2022 – “Action and Investment in Menstrual Hygiene and Health” / “Making Menstruation a Normal Fact of Life by 2030”
2023–2025 – Continued focus on normalisation and the mission “Together for a #PeriodFriendlyWorld”

In Nepal, these have been adapted into local campaign lines such as:

“Break the Silence, End the Stigma”
“Dignified Menstruation for All”
“Period-Friendly School, Period-Friendly Palika, Period-Friendly Nepal”

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8. Current Situation in Nepal: Progress Amid Persistent Challenges

8.1 Chhaupadi and harmful practices

Chhaupadi, the practice of banishing women and girls to sheds during menstruation, was outlawed in 2005 and criminalized in 2017.
Despite this, it continues in some rural western districts, driven by fear, religious interpretation, and social pressure.
While many chhaugoth (menstrual huts) have been demolished, reports continue to document cases of women facing cold, snakebites, harassment, and even death in isolation.

8.2 Urban–rural and socio-economic divides

Urban areas, particularly Kathmandu and major cities, show higher pad use and better information, yet stigma still exists.
Rural, remote, and marginalized communities face limited access to products, poor WASH infrastructure, and stronger taboos.
Intersectional barriers are more pronounced for Dalit, indigenous groups, people with disabilities, and those in disaster-affected or climate-vulnerable areas.

8.3 Positive trends

Youth-led campaigns, media coverage, and school-based programmes are normalising conversations about menstruation.
Budget allocations for menstrual products and WASH improvements have increased at federal and local levels.
Evidence-based interventions, such as health education for adolescent girls, have been shown to significantly improve menstrual practices and knowledge.

9. Policies, Laws, and Guidelines Shaping Menstrual Health in Nepal

Nepal has developed a substantial policy and legal framework for MHM.

9.1 Legal protections and human rights

The Constitution of Nepal guarantees the rights to health, education, equality, and dignity.
The criminal code amendment in 2017 introduced punitive measures (fine and possible jail) for those forcing women into harmful practices like Chhaupadi.

9.2 Education and WASH sector policies

WASH in Schools Guidelines and related standards mandate separate, child- and gender-friendly toilets with provisions for menstrual hygiene (water, privacy, disposal).
The School Sector Development Plan (SSDP) recognizes MHM as a key component of school WASH and adolescent health.

9.3 Free sanitary pad programme

Since 2019, the Government of Nepal has implemented a national free sanitary pad distribution programme for girls in public schools.
This is governed by specific MHM materials distribution procedures, and carried out through conditional grants to local governments.
Many schools now receive regular supplies, though quality, timeliness, and coverage can vary.

9.4 National coordination and policy briefs

The Menstrual Health Management Partners’ Alliance (MHMPA) has produced a Country Status Report (2025) and policy briefs highlighting progress, gaps, and recommendations on product standards, WASH, inclusion, and financing.
Key technical references include UNICEF Nepal’s analysis of menstrual hygiene practices, UNICEF’s global MHM guidance, and other national and regional WASH/MHM reports.

9.5 Fiscal reforms: easing financial barriers

Advocacy by civil society and legal actions have pushed for removal of VAT and other taxes on menstrual products, framing pads and related products as essential, not luxury items and directly tackling period poverty.

Together, these frameworks create a strong enabling environment—but success depends heavily on implementation at provincial and local levels.

10. Challenges and Gaps: The Policy–Practice Divide

Despite positive steps, several key challenges remain:

Implementation gaps
- Laws against Chhaupadi are not consistently enforced.
- Free pad programmes may suffer from stock-outs, uneven distribution, or low-quality products.
Infrastructure deficits
- Many schools and public spaces lack functional, private toilets with water, soap, and disposal.
- Waste management for pads (burning, burying, incineration) is rarely systematic.
Stigma and silence
- Deep-rooted norms still portray menstruation as impure.
- Boys and men are often excluded from conversations, reinforcing the idea that periods are “women’s secret issues.”
Inequity and inclusion
- Marginalised groups, people with disabilities, and those in remote or disaster-affected areas are least likely to benefit from existing programmes.
- Policy documents talk about inclusion, but data and targeted budgets are still limited.
Limited data and monitoring
- While research is growing, routine data systems (e.g., in health, education, WASH) rarely capture MHM indicators consistently.
- This makes it harder to track progress or hold institutions accountable.

11. How to Get Involved: From Individuals to Institutions

11.1 As an individual

Talk openly about menstruation with friends, family, and colleagues.
Challenge myths and gently correct misinformation when you hear it.
Support organisations working on menstrual health, such as Days for Girls Nepal and national MH alliances.
Use social media to share credible information with hashtags like #WorldMenstrualHygieneDay, #PeriodFriendlyWorld, #PeriodFriendlyNepal.

11.2 As a teacher or school

Integrate menstrual health into life skills, health, or science classes.
Ensure the school has emergency pad supplies, a private changing area, and clear disposal facilities.
Involve boys in discussions so they become allies, not bystanders.
Mark 28 May with student-led events, competitions, and interactive sessions.

11.3 As a local government (Palika)

Include MHM in the annual health and education plans.
Allocate budget for pads, reusable products, and WASH improvements in schools and public institutions.
Coordinate with FCHVs, mother groups, and youth networks for community outreach.
Monitor compliance with national guidelines and legal provisions related to menstrual health and Chhaupadi.

11.4 As an NGO or development partner

Base programmes on local evidence and community voices.
Align with national policies, MHMPA recommendations, and UNICEF/WHO guidance.
Prioritise hard-to-reach populations and design approaches that are gender-, disability-, and climate-sensitive.
Share learning and data to support better policy and funding decisions.

FAQ

Q1. When is World Menstrual Hygiene Day 2025 celebrated in Nepal?
World Menstrual Hygiene Day 2025 is celebrated on 28 May, the same date as worldwide. Nepal observes it through school programmes, community events, media campaigns, and policy dialogues.

Q2. What is the theme of World Menstrual Hygiene Day 2025?
The overarching mission is “Together for a #PeriodFriendlyWorld”, widely localised in Nepal as “Together for a #PeriodFriendlyNepal”.

Q3. What menstrual health challenges does Nepal still face?
Nepal still struggles with stigma, Chhaupadi-like practices, unequal access to pads, inadequate school toilets, and limited waste management, especially in rural and marginalised communities.

Q4. What has the Government of Nepal done about menstrual hygiene?
Key actions include criminalizing Chhaupadi, integrating MHM into WASH in Schools and the School Sector Development Plan, launching a free sanitary pad programme, and collaborating with agencies like UNICEF, MHMPA, and NGOs to improve infrastructure and education.

Q5. How can I help create a #PeriodFriendlyNepal?
You can break the silence, support local NGOs, advocate for better school toilets and pad access, involve boys and men in conversations, and participate in MH Day events—online or in your community.