Learning Sharing Program on Menstrual Hygiene Management and Homemade Sanitary Pad Making Training

Edited by: Ms. Anita Bhuju, Network Coordinator, Paschim Paaila
- Mr. Sagar Gosai, Member, PP Batch III

Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM), as a major part of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), has always been concern for Paschim Paaila. On 26 January, 2020, orientation on MHM and homemade sanitary pad making training was conducted at ENPHO hall, Baneshowr, Kathmandu under the facilitation of Ms. Sabuna Gamal, WASH Trainer at ENPHO and Executive member of Paschim Paaila.

The event was organized to enhance knowledge of PP Batch members and active paailas on menstrual hygiene management and preparation of homemade sanitary pad. The event was organized as a part of capacity building of team members as learning sharing program. The event was conducted under two halves as orientation on MHM in first session and preparation of homemade sanitary pad in second session through practical approach. The taboos and myths associated with menstruation were discussed and presented among participants making learning sharing program effective, in facilitation of Ms. Gamal. Altogether 6 participants attended the event including members from third batch and active paailas.

Drama Charity for MHM Campaign

Drama Charity for MHM Campaign

Huge mass of energetic people gathered at Mandala Theater on 7^th June, 2014 to contribute for Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) Campaign & enjoy drama charity entitled “Encounter in Umbugland”.

The main objective of this charity show was to raise fund for “Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) Campaign” which is initiated by Paschim Paaila at Government Schools of Sindhupalchowk district. Around 180 people joined to support the campaign at Mandala Theater and enjoyed the drama with the collection of Rs. 15000 reducing the show charge.

As many students of government schools are still unaware about menstrual hygiene, providing these facts and making the MHM campaign functional, Paschim Paaila had launched the charity show. The scenario of the drama was about the political condition and even highlighted sanitation status of the country. 

The show began with welcome remark and objective sharing by Mr. Buddha Bajracharya Network Coordinator, Paschim Paaila at the theater hall which was full of audience representing from different organizations and institutions.

At the end of the show, Mr. Bhushan Tuladhar, Regional Technical Advisor, UN-Habitat appreciated Paschim Paaila for initiating the MHM campaign engaging youth and also wished for the successful steps ahead.

Menstrual Hygiene Management: An emerging issue

“Menstrual Hygiene Management: An emerging issue”

Paschim Paaila organized regular interaction program WASH FORUM May series on 30^th May 2014. This time the topic was “Menstrual Hygiene Management: An emerging issue”. Celebrating World Menstrual Hygiene Day- 2014 for the first time in the world on May 28, Paschim Paaila brought down this issue in the forum with the participation of 42 participants.

The forum was very interactive and participants were cooperative with resource person Ms. Kamal Tara Bajracharya, Youth and Adolescent Program Manager, FPAN and another resource person Ms. Kamala KC, Consultant, Water Aid Nepal. During the session participants raised their queries regarding the current scenario of toilets in university’s colleges and also of public toilet which are not female friendly. 

The session was carried out by our resource person on the components of Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) and related it with Education, Health, Empowerment and Rights.

In this forum, volunteers were appreciated with certificates by Network Coordinator Mr. Buddha Bajracharya for successful conduction of Menstrual Hygiene Campaign on the occasion of International Menstrual Hygiene Day – 2014. At last, the session was concluded with the sharing of some experience of participants regarding menstrual hygiene which was really fruitful following with group Photos.

First International Menstrual Hygiene Day Celebrated with school students

First International Menstrual Hygiene Day was celebrated on 28^th May 2014 with the joint effort of ENPHO and Paschim Paaila in coordination with District Public Health Offices (DPHOs), Primary Health Care centers (PHCs), Health Posts and Sub-Health Posts of 4 districts (Bhaktapur, Kavre, Surkhet and Rupandehi). The main objective was to celebrate first Menstrual Hygiene day which was happening in all the 75 districts in coordination with Ministry of Health (MoH), Ministry of Education (MoE), INGOs, NGOs and other respective bodies.

More than 30 volunteers were mobilized for the successful conduction of menstrual awareness programs at the government schools in coordination with respective VDCs Health workers. Menstrual Hygiene day was celebrated at 13 schools from 12 VDCs (Ghumkhare, Latikoili, Changunarayan, Katunje, Jhaukhel, Duwakot, Nagarkot, Baluwapati, Baluwa, Sankhu patichaur, Khopasi, Rudrapur VDCs) and 1 Birendranagar Municipality.

Total 812 school students from Government schools were benefited from the program including 589 girls and 223 boys along with many school teachers as well. The students were made aware about the general concepts of Menstruation and Menstrual Hygiene management, benefits of menstrual pads, and ways to cope with the complications. Thus the program was very successful as menstrual hygiene day is being celebrated for the first time internationally and nationally as it has been a crucial issue that needs proper attention.

A Day Training on Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM)

One day training on Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) was successfully conducted on 24^th May, 2014, organized by Paschim Paaila in collaboration with ENPHO and Khwopa College at Khwopa college hall. There were total 24 female youth participants from B.Sc Environmental Science stream. The objectives of the training were planning, MHM orientation, preparation of homemade sanitary pad and its use, etc. in cyclic process as homemade sanitary pads are very much environmental friendly as it could be reused, there is no chemical reagents used and it’s very friendly to handle as well.

The program was coordinated by Paschim Paaila. The facilitators for the whole program were Ms. Kamal Tara Bajracharya (Adolescent and Youth Program Manager, FPAN), Mr. Buddha Bajracharya (Network Coordinator, Paschim Paaila), Ms. Urmila Lama (Campaign Coordinator, Paschim Paaila) and Ms. Renu Duwal (member, Paschim Paaila).  

The main objectives of the training on MHM was to make participants able to know about Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) link with Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM), WASH and MHM, Use and Importance of Homemade Sanitary Pads and Preparation of Homemade Sanitary Pads. The session was conducted with the help of different techniques like PowerPoint presentation, visuals and demonstration as well. All the participants were provided materials and were guided to prepare homemade sanitary pads. The participants showed their active participation throughout the training hour. Discussion was done and feedback was collected at the end of session. 

The program was concluded by Mr. Buddha Bajracharya presenting tokan of love to Mr. Kamal Raj Gosai (Incharge, HoD Environmental Science, Khwopa College). 

Accomplishment of JWF Fund Project at Baluwa Secondary School, Kavre

Accomplishment of JWF Fund Project

Child Friendly Handwashing Platform

Paschim Paaila with the support of Japan Water Forum (JWF) Fund- 2013 and in collaboration with ENPHO accomplished the construction of Bio-Sand Filter, Child friendly hand washing platform and providing the training on menstrual hygiene management and making homemade sanitary pad at Shree Baluwa Secondary School, Baluwapati- 4 VDC, Kavre.

Shree Baluwa Secondary School, Kavre

The major objective of the project was to improve the health condition of school students and to decrease absenteeism of girl students.

1000 Liters Bio-Sand Filter

A Bio-sand filter (BSF) of capacity 750 liters with 1000 liters of reserve tank and collection tank were installed to provide access to safe drinking water to the students.  Training on proper maintenance of BSF was provided to the members of school management committee, school administration and students of the school on 13^th March, 2014. Likewise, School WASH campaign was conducted among 125 students and a WASH Circle of 7 members were formed. 

VDC Secretary giving Speech along with Network Coordinator

The handover program was organized on 30^th March, 2014. Mr. Mukunda Prasad Gajurel, Secretary of Baluwapati VDC, Kavre was as the chief guest. He highlighted on the importance of proper maintenance of the filter installed and requested all for the continuity of the support for its regular maintenance. 

Glimpse on S-WASH Campaign

Mr. Buddha Bajracharya, Network Coordinator of Paschim Paaila/ENPHO emphasized on further responsibility of School management committee and students on sustainable operation of filter installed and hand washing platform constructed. Mr. Krishna Bahadur Tamang, Chairperson of Baluwa School management committee further committed on trying their level best for the sustainable operation of the filter and the handwashing platform. 

A Day Training on MHM and homemade sanitary pad Preparation

A Day Training on MHM and homemade sanitary pad Preparation

During the Preparation of Homemade Sanitary Pad

Day long training on Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) and homemade sanitary pad Preparation was conducted at Baluwapati Secondary School, Baluwapati-4, Kavre on 13^th March, 2014. The training was executed by Paschim Paaila as a part of Japan Water Forum fund under the project “Construction of Bio-Sand Filter, Child friendly hand washing station & training on making homemade sanitary pad and menstrual hygiene management” In collaboration with ENPHO.

The main objective of the training program was to promote hygiene behavior of school students particularly among girl students and to address hygiene & sanitation problems during menstruation.

After Training with Pads

Group Photo after Training

The training was divided into three sessions. First session focused on personal sharing about menstruation and the complication related to it. Second session was of menstrual hygiene management (MHM) and the last session was the technical session about the preparation of home-made sanitary pad using locally available clothes. Total of 55 girl student of class 8 and 9 attended the training with 3 female teachers.

At the end of the program Menstrual Hygiene Care Team (MHCT) with total of 8 students and 2 female teachers were formed who will be responsible to raise awareness among other girl students in the school in coordination with School administration and even provide homemade sanitary pad as per necessity.