Debate on “Activism for Menstrual Hygiene and Health”

Prepared by: Mr. Amrit Bista, Member, PP Batch III

Paschim Paaila and ENPHO in collaboration with Debate Network Nepal-DNN organized a debate program on ‘Activism for Menstrual Hygiene and Health’ on 29^th May, 2020 on the occasion of Menstrual Hygiene day 2020 through Zoom platform. The program was organized with an objective to mark Menstrual Hygiene (MH) Day 2020 highlighting activism for menstrual hygiene through debate.

In the program, 6 debaters from DNN were on the house (platform) with 3 were as representation of government side and 3 from the opponent side. On the debate, proposition team spoke on the side of motion: “This house, as the feminist movement, will fund the research for Technology XP” while opposition side spoke against the motion within 7 minutes time-frame and at last a reply speaker from each side briefly gave their feedbacks again. To elaborate the context on the debate, an upcoming technology named Technology XP was hypothesized to be able to allow women to never have their period and subsequently conception too to overcome the period pain and not to make period as blockage for career of women.

In the debate, speakers put forward views based on researches. This program highlighted on the positive sides of technology and its contribution for women on relieving menstrual sufferings and conception difficulties and leading a great life with debaters from opposition as the limitations of technology such as inaccessibility to marginalized groups, cultural unacceptability and more importantly, the idea of banning motherhood brought, gift of nature, by the technology and highlighted on importance on eradicating taboos and misconceptions related to menstrual hygiene instead. The verdict at the end announced opposition team as winner to better support for awareness regarding menstrual hygiene than to bring in the technology.

Mr. Dixit Awasthi from DNN moderated debate and Ms. Anita Bhuju, Network Coordinator of Paschim Paaila, facilitated the overall program. Altogether, 30 youths participated in the program.

Every year Menstrual Hygiene Day is celebrated on 28 May to raise awareness and break the silence for the issues related to menstruation. This year theme for Menstrual Hygiene Day 2020 was "Menstrual Talk, Dignity First".

Organized WASH-CO Workshop I Series 2020

Edited by: Ms. Anita Bhuju, Network Coordinator
Prepared by: Ms. Susma Sharma, Member, PP Batch III

Paschim Paaila and Environment and Public Health Organization (ENPHO), jointly organized three days “WASH-CO Workshop I Series 2020” from 16^th to 18^th May, 2020 through Zoom platform. This is the very first workshop organized with an objective to enhance the capacity and knowledge on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) and its linkage to COVID-19 to empower youths on WASH and COVID-19 to support in preventive measures and bring youths as change maker.

The three day workshop covered sessions related to WASH, COVID-19, hygiene behavior and practice, impact of COVID-19 on SDGs and social media use through presentations from WASH professionals and media professional. The three day workshop moreover remained participatory with interactions and discussions with and among participants. Altogether 40 participants were selected through an application to attend the workshop from various educational background including public health, environmental science, social work, engineering and bio-technology. 

“Participating in the workshop allowed me to gain unknown facts in regard to WASH and COVID-19 and beyond the general information. Thank you Paschim Paaila for providing the opportunity” Ritendra Babu.

Web Series of WASH FORUM Reloaded on COVID-19 and WASH

-Mr. Amrit Bista, Member, PP batch III

Paschim Paaila and Environment and Public Health Organization (ENPHO) jointly organized 6^th series of WASH FORUM Reloaded on “COVID-19 and WASH” on 15 May 2020 on zoom meeting platform. The program was organized with an objective to share information about COVID-19 and its present status with highlight of session on linkages of COVID-19 and WASH.

Mr. Sudan Raj Panthi, National Professional Officer, Environmental Health at World Health Organization (WHO) resided as resource person in the program. During the program, epidemic curve of laboratory confirmed COVID-19, its chain of transmission and elements of standard precautions were shared. Resource person gave more focus on preventive measures in concern to hand hygiene and respiratory hygiene and insisted that maintaining hand-hygiene is key preventive measure of COVID-19 pandemic. Apart from personal hygiene information showing importance regarding decontamination, principles of cleaning and health care waste management during this state of COVID-19 pandemic was also explained by National Professional Officer of WHO Mr. Sudan Raj Panthi.

More than 55 participants actively attended session of WASH FORUM Reloaded on zoom platform and put forward queries during Q&A session.

Learning Sharing on Basic Photography

Edited by: Ms. Anita Bhuju, Network Coordinator, Paschim Paaila
- Ms. Janaki Shrestha, Member, Paschim Paaila Batch III

Paschim Paaila have been organizing the Learning -Sharing program for internal team members and active members of Paschim Paaila. The main objective of learning and sharing program is to share knowledge and enhance the capacity of active paailas. On 19^th February 2020, Paschim Paaila organized learning and sharing program on basic photography at ENPHO hall Thapagau, Baneshwor.

Ms. Lasata Manandhar, Resource Centre Associate at ENPHO, facilitate the session on basic photography with basic knowledge and experience sharing. Ms. Manandhar shared about elements required for good photos and photo story, few tips and tricks on photography and proper use and presentation of photos during her presentation.

The session was more of interactive and participatory. At end of the session the participants were engaged through practical session of photography. Ms.Sabanam Thapa, one of the participant of program said “I used to think I could click good pictures but now I know where I miss out for great pictures. I found this session really informative and useful. Altogether 8 participants attended the program including members of Paschim Paaila batch III and active members of Paschim Paaila.

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 for Behavior Change on WASH practice

- Ms. Anita Bhuju, Network Coordinator, Paschim Paaila

Bringing a change in the behavior is difficult. But a change could be possible partially through different means. Being able to lead a healthy life is influenced by many factors and doesn’t solely depend on increased access to – and use of – Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facilities, medicines or treatment. Improved insights in health behavior can provide a tremendous impact in the onset and course of health problems and act as a basis for health promotion. However, making a long-term change in behavior is rarely a simple process. Individual, social and other external factors should be integrated to positively influence healthy behavior.

Street drama being an effective tool in raising awareness and sensitization for general public, under the NERF project of ENPHO, street drama on behavior change was prepared and performed in working areas of NERF project of five districts, namely Dolakha, Sindhupalchwok, Kavre, Nuwakot and Dhading of Nepal on 9 August, 11 August, 13 August, 20 August and 22 August respectively. Drama was planned with an aim to sensitize community people to bring positive change on WASH behavior for healthy life. It was performed focusing on proper use of toilet and use of filter, as easy water purification option, targeting community people and school children. More than 3475 locals observed drama including youths, children and old.

“This drama has hit hard in my head that unclean toilets have high possibility for disease transmission as there is presence of germs that can harm us. We knew this simple things but after observing this drama it made me realize how we have been neglecting small things as keeping toilet clean. Also, I got new knowledge that we need to change filter candle in every 6 months and now we will bring it to practice. I will also convey this message to my family and neighbor as well” Aarti Kunwar, student, Uma Saha Shikshyalaya Secondary School, Kavre expressed with enthusiasm.

Celebration of World Water Day – 2014, Advocating WASH as basic Human rights

Celebration of World Water Day – 2014, Advocating WASH as basic Human rights

CA members and WASH Advocates

To mark the World Water Day, 22 various organizations (INGOs, NGOs, Civil Society Networks, Government, Private Sector) which included Water-Aid, ENPHO & Paschim Paaila jointly organized the “Walk for Water” program on 22^nd March 2014 at National Table Tennis Hall, Lainchaur. Almost, 500 participants gathered and walked all the way through Kings Way, Jamal and then concluded the walk in the same hall, with a formal program.

Network Coordinator of PP handover Appeal to CA
members

Paschim Paaila presented a drama to depict WASH as basic Human Rights and should be properly addressed on upcoming constitution which is under draft. The hardships faced in both rural and urban areas due to scarcity of safe drinking water, the potential risks of using unsafe drinking water and the deteriorating conditions of public toilets in the capital were also well presented in the drama.

Volunteers form PP Demonstrating Drama

The chief guest for the program was Hon. Vice Chairperson and Deputy Speaker of the Constituent Assembly Ms. Onsari Gharti Magar. Other distinguished guests included Hon. CA Member Kiran Yadav, Nepali Congress; Hon. CA Member Ananda Prasad Pokharel, UML; Hon. CA Member, Kunta Shahi, Rastriya Prajatantra Party ; Hon. CA Member, Dr. Shivji Yadav, Madhesi Jana Adhikar Forum and Former Environment Minister Mr. Ganesh Shah.

January Series of WASH Forum on Rooftop farming

 January Series of WASH Forum on Rooftop farming

Paschim Paaila conducted 26^th series of WASH Forum on “Rooftop Farming: win-win approach to Urban Environment Management” on 31^st January, 2014 at ENPHO hall.  The main objective of the discussion program was sharing on Roof Top Farming and to understand the role that youth can play towards promotion of this concept. The key speaker for January series of WASH Forum was Ms. Luna Kansakar, Sr. Program Officer at ENPHO, who provided insights on importance of rooftop farming (RTF) and also emphasized on doing it in the right way.

The emphasis on RTF was given by addressing the emerging issues of Kathmandu city such as unmanaged solid waste, water scarcity, food insecurity and climate change. Ms. Kansakar made a very remarkable point that the increasing numbers of buildings are indeed the opportunities to create a greener environment and the key to that is RTF.

The program was followed by discussion with some thoughtful suggestions to promote RTF by formulating collaboration among the relevant stakeholders and providing support from policy level as well as technical support so that this concept could be led in more effective and successful way. The workshop culminated with summarizing thoughts, vote of thanks and a group photo. 

Training on Household Water Treatment and Safe storage

Training on Household Water Treatment and Safe storage 

Three days training on Household Water Treatment and Safe Storage (HWTS) was conducted with the mutual effort of Paschim Paaila and ENPHO WET-C and with the support of CAWST from 27^th to 29^th January 2014 at ENPHO hall.
With total of 17 participants, the main objective of the training was to capacitate youth from Paschim Paaila to effectively deliver information on household water treatment and safe storage among household and community. Youths from Paschim Paaila, Rotaract club of Kathmandu mid-town, Rotaract club of Dillibazar and NYCA were the participants of the training.

The training included the sessions on WASH status of Nepal and world, water induced diseases, safe sanitation and hand washing, point of use option of household water treatment and their operation and maintenance along with exercise to help the community to choose the best method of household treatment and the preparation of the action plan.

Youth Day Celebration with Talk Program on “Scope and Role of Youth in Environment and Health Sector with Bhushan Tuladhar”

Youth Group photo

On the special occasion of International Youths Day (IYD) 12^th august, 2013, Paschim Paaila organized a Talk program on Scope and Role of youth in the sector of Environment and Health with Mr. Bhusan Tuladhar, Environmentalist as resource person for the program.  

Token Of love to Bhushan Sir

Mr.Buddha Bajracharya, Network Coordinator of Paschim Paaila welcomed all the 48 energetic youth from various backgrounds with brief objective of talk program as to get motivated and inspired by Bhushan sir regarding role and scope of youth in sector of environment and health with Grand celebration of IYD with Paschim Paaila. 

Mr. Tuladhar started his session focusing on the role of youth rather than scope with fact that, “Youths are not future but present among them top 5% are in this room.” Youths are for today i.e. youth’s empowerment should be utilized for today. He further focused on how one can utilize the resources that they have. He raised three questions in that case, Where are we? Where do we want to go? And how can we reach there? He mentioned that most of people get confused on where they are? So one should first know that where they are in the present situation.

During the program

He also talked about SWOT/C (Strength Weakness Opportunity Threat/Challenges) in which SW is the internal factor whereas OT is the external factor. He listed as a youth of Nepal, strength of youth from among the youth present in the program which were Unity, Hard working, Energetic, Enthusiastic, Volunteering, Patriotism, Skill and Knowledge, Decision making power, Hopefulness and Patience, Honesty, Self confidence, Cooperative and Optimistic. Among all these points, he focused in the point Optimistic the most.

Similarly, the weakness of youth were listed as Negative Attitude, Confusion, Hopelessness, Lack of patience, Blaming other, Aggressiveness, Jealousy, Low self esteem, Selfishness, Afraid of initiation, Stubborn, Bounding in making decision, Selfish politics, Communication problem and so on. The youths should always focus on positive attitude rather than negative attitude so that they can understand themselves that where they are right now Mr. Tuladhar suggested. He mentioned Success is 90% attitude and 10 % work. Success can start with own strength. He further talked about the entrepreneurship.

He inspired the youth to be proactive along with volunteer spirit. "Don’t depend on other to tell you that what you should do this or that." One should think in a broad way that how he/she can do something different than other.

Participant Interacting

The program moved towards discussion where participants raised lots of queries "what may be the possible threats in the sector of environment and public health? Are they vulnerable?" and the solution were also given to those queries as we must remember “Russian Rule” that “I must do it in order to get rid of it”, must have willingness to learn, courage to make mistake and confidence or pair of support may be missing. Also asked by participant as she wants to do something innovative but have no confidence and what she can do in that case? One of the participants gave suggestion that stand in front of mirror and say that "I am the one I can do, today is my day and start it today." In between of smile and non smile, there is a gap and that gap is the great thing that motivates yourself and other.

At the end of the program Mr. Tuladhar was appreciated with Token of love. Likewise Mr. Bajracharya Thanked all the participants and resource person for making the program a grand success and also collected feedback to make to program more effective in the future with sharing about Emergency Relief Fund (ERF). Some of the youth donated some amount for ERF. Finally a group photo was taken and the floor was closed.

Annual Sharing Meeting of Paschim Paaila

Annual Sharing meeting of Paschim Paaila on the occasion of 4^th anniversary was held at 20^th July, 2013 at ENPHO hall, Thapagaun on Saturday. Paschim Paaila is an informal youth network focused on environmental health with water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and disasters/epidemics as social concern which was formed on July 17, 2009 after the outbreak of Diarrhea/Cholera epidemic in Mid and Far Western region of Nepal with a youthful spirit of selfless volunteer service.

After the warm welcome by MC Ms. Karuna Bhattarai, Guests and all the participants were chaired. The Guest were Mr. Phurba Sange Moktan, President of Paschim Paaila, Mr. Giri Raj Khatri, Past President of Paschim Paaila, Mr. Bipin Dangol, Program Manager of ENPHO and Mr. Prajwol Shrestha, Program Manager of ENPHO Mr. Raman Nepali, Youth Activist, Mr. Anil Shrestha, Youth Activist, Mr. Om Prasad Gautam, Researcher,.

Ms. Kamala KC, Past Campaign Coordinator and active paaila of Paschim Paaila welcomed all the participants continuing the program by documentary screening entitled "The candles for water". Ms. Merina Shakya, Network Coordinator of Paschim Paaila, started the Annual Sharing starting with its introduction, vision, mission and objectives. The key activities like impact study of Su-Swastha pariyojana, series of wash concern workshop, wash forum, etc. with glimpse of Paschim Paaila were shared. Milestones like deusi bhailo, WASH awareness raising toolkit, SWASH Campaign and successful celebration of 4^th anniversary of Paschim Paaila with inter school drawing competition and Diyo lightening at Swyambhu were shared.

Ms.  Urmila Lama was declared as Paaila of the year 2012/13 announced by Mr. Dangol giving her congratulation and best wishes. Certificates to the participants of Drawing competition, WASH Concern Workshop and Awareness raising toolkit implementation was then distributed.

Then Paaila Idea Fund 2013, basket fund innovated by the paailas handed over to 2-3 genuine ideas in the field of WASH and Disaster. This time the fund was provided to Mr. Regan Sapkota for "Mahila Ka Paaila" and Mr. Niroj Maharjan for "Blood Pressure Weight Monitoring and WASH Awareness Camp."

The Annual sharing again resumed with the declaration by Ms. Merina Shakya to hand over the Network Coordinator post to Mr. Buddha Bajracharya for the fiscal Year 2013/14. Certificate to the volunteers of School WASH (SWASH) campaign, Drama and those who helped in the coordination of events for 4^th Anniversary of Paschim Paaila was distributed.

Mr. Bipin Dangol, then shared the guest remark where he suggested Paschim Paaila to never lose the essence i.e. Youth spirit and Volunteerism i.e. if they are placed parallel then only Paschim Paaila can sustain. He even requested to include as much as more paailas who were there at the beginning of the initiative, because their knowledge and experience can also help Paschim paaila to move forward.

 Mr. Raman Nepali and Mr. Anil Shrestha as a guest energized the participants with their motivational speech and various examples which indeed added an extra gem to the annual sharing of Paschim Paaila.  Mr. Giri raj Khatri shared, the journey next is not easy but if all of us are committed then it is not so difficult as well. Mr. Buddha Bajracharya shared ongoing activities, Pipeline activities and avenues wise future planning of Paschim Paaila.

 Mr. Phurba Sange Moktan, President of Paschim Paaila, Mr. Om Prasad Gautam and Mr. Prajwol Shrestha inspired and showed the way ahead with their innovative ideas. Their presence has always leaded Paschim Paaila to a way forward and will always is how Ms. Merina Shakya addressed their support and words.

The Annual Sharing was then followed by cake cutting ceremony along with some photos. 

Written By: Manisha Thapaliya

Paschim Paaila welcomes new Paaila’s through WASH Concern Workshop

Paschim Paaila welcomes new Paaila’s through WASH Concern Workshop

Youth WASH Concern Workshop which intends to share information regarding WASH among youths and empower them for the betterment of their surrounding environments was successfully conducted at the premises of Thames College, Old Baneshwor on 2^nd March 2013 with total participation of 23.This was the 5^th WASH Concern Workshop jointly organized by Paschim Paaila and ENPHO.

The program was facilitated by Ms. Merina Shakya, Network coordinator of Paschim Paaila. Expectation form the participants were collected before the initiation of the session and also ground rule was made in order to achieve the expectation. The program was facilitated by Ms. Kamala KC sharing about “WATER & HYGIENE”. She revealed WASH situation in Nepal with the fact that every year more than 10,500 child die due to poor hygiene. Next the session was started with Mr. Kashi Kant Thakur, form ENPHO facilitated on the topic “SANITATION AND WASTE MANAGEMENT”.  With Pictorial presentation Mr. Thakur made all participants aware about the shocking situation of sanitation within the city and all over Nepal.

 

 In order to motivate Youths, Mr. Pradip Pariyar, (Youth Activist) President of Nepal Youth Forum  shared his experiences and inspire us to initiate positive thinking , not only positive but also appreciative thinking in title “WHY NOT YOUTH?”

 

To put forward the need of “PERSONAL HYGENE AND HYGIENE PROMOTION”, Mr. Phurba Sange Moktan, our very own WASH man, pointed out that personal hygiene not only includes bathing and hand washing but everything from tip of the head till the top of the toe. Mr. Moktan demonstrated the healthy hand washing technique and listed out the roles of hygiene promoters i.e. each of us.

Ms. Merina Shakya then took over the session where she showed youths a way to achieve things as they want and involved them in a group discussion where participants had to speak out one of their best idea on how to utilize what they have learnt during the session. Four groups came out with 4 ideas of dissimilating the information by conducting sharing program in Aama group, in Trichandra college, in government school.

The session concluded with handing over the certification of appreciation to all the participants. Ms. Lalita Basnet was crowned as “Best WASH ambassador” and was handed over the hygiene kit. After thanking Resource Persons and handing over Token of love the session finally came to an end with thanking Paschim Paaila Team namely Mr. Sujan Manandhar, Mr. Roshan Chaulagain, Ms. Manisha Thapaliya, Mr. Dibit Aryal and last but not the least Ms. Merina Shakya for their immense support and cooperation.  

 

Deusivailo spread the messages: “Togetherness for water”

Deusivailo spread the messages: “Togetherness for water”

Tihar is considered as 2^nd greatest festival of Nepal. And “DeusiVailo” is one of traditional culture that is generally played for fun on this occasion. People form different age group plays deusi and vailo for entertainment from which people raise some funds; they all have their own purposes of raising fund.

Following this culture, youths from Paschim Paaila in collaboration with Pathivara Nava Yuva Club, Pathivara tole played DeusiVailo at different organizations and different community. This program was organized with the aim of raising funds that can be used for social cause as youth led initiatives.

The cause for the program was to upgrade the existing water supply facilities and constructing Bio-Sand Filter of Pathivara Community, Kapan VDC. Youths form Pathivara community contributed their talent for their own community which really inspires other youths as well. The objective was to support the efforts of youths from Pathivara to construct Bio-Sand Filter that can supply water to whole community and also to develop the better fellowship between community, Youths and various organizations working in the Environmental Health and Disaster sector.

“Deusivailo” program was played on six different organizations which were Environment & Public Health Organization (ENPHO), WASH-Resource Center Network Nepal (WASH-RCNN), AYON, UN-HABITAT, Oxfam, Clean Energy Nepal on 13^th November, 2012. These organizations showed their support financially and also committed for technical support. This program was able to collect good fund and establish better relation with different organization that are working in the sector of WASH and environment. Total NRs. 28,401/- was collected form these organizations.

The team of Pathivara are now preparing for the implementation of the program. Further more Regional Technical Advisor of UN-Habitat, Mr. Bhusan Tuladhar, said -“UN-Habitat will always be there for other technical support as well if needed”. These words boosted up the energy of Youths from Pathivara and Paschim Paaila. Also all other organizations were delighted to be the part of the events and they also enjoyed a lot with the team.