Good Neighbors International Nepal with financial support from Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and in collaboration with Sudurpaschim Province, Good Neighbors Japan, and partners, organized a Traditional Healers’ Conclave For Dignified Menstruation. It aimed at turning traditional healers into ambassadors of safer menstrual hygiene management at the local and district levels so that they contribute to creating an enabling environment for dignified menstruation.
33 traditional healers (10 females and 23 males), 14 elected officials, adolescent girls, women, government functionaries, media persons, I/NGO representatives, activists, and experts on menstrual hygiene management participated in the Conclave. This diverse group of about 70 participants from Bajura, Doti, Achham, Mugu, Kailali, and Kathmandu districts engaged in learning, dialogue, sharing, group work, reflection, and discussion sessions.
Participant traditional healers worked out individual action plans, and Deputy Mayors from their respective constituencies expressed commitment to support in implementing them. This group of traditional healers also adopted a Declaration for Dignified Menstruation, wherein they committed to;
Play a key role in and take special initiatives for creating a dignified menstrual environment at home and in their communities.
Treat girls and women equally for twenty-five normal days and five days of menstruation.
Inform people who seek their services about proper menstrual practices and put up informational posters or materials about dignified menstruation in their homes.
Provide positive support for nutrition, housing, sanitation, health, education, and participation for menstruating girls and women.
Coordinate with the rural municipality/municipality to make a dignified environment at schools and encourage girls to go to school even when they are menstruating.
Request their respective municipalities to make menstruation-friendly clothes, water, sanitation materials, and messaging available to build a dignified menstruation-friendly school.
Coordinate with the rural municipality and draw their attention for raising public awareness of dignified menstruation in the community, allocate budget for training, seminars, street plays, postering, pamphleteering, etc.
Request government, civil society, and private sector to reward and honor those Dhami Jhakris that promote dignified menstruation.
Celebrate special days and spread awareness about laws related to menstruation.
Hon’ble Tek Bahadur Raika, State Minister for Social Development, Sudurpaschim Province, Hon’ble Ammar Bahadur Saud, State Minister For Economic Affairs, Sudurpaschim Province, Mr. Daya Krishna Pant, Section Chief, Health Department of Sudurpaschim Province, and Jae Kyun Rho, Country Director of GNI Nepal graced the event. Dignified menstruation pioneer and activist Radha Paudel moderated the event.
