Pre-COVID, this group of girls in Biratnagar, Nepal, participated in education about menstruation, hygiene, and how to make sanitary pads. Volunteer community health workers, Yanso (right) and Sangeeta (left; also trained as a professional nurse) facilitated open and safe conversation about this topic and how to feel empowered and in control of their health and development.
In parts of Nepal, and other countries, women are forced to
stay in outdoor sheds or huts during their menstruation. While many governments,
including Nepal, have implemented legislation to ban the practice, the old
tradition continues in many regions. This practice is not only punitive, but
also dangerous, as there have been many reported cases of women who have died
from snake bites or smoke inhalation while trying to keep warm outdoors.
Community health workers like Sangeeta and Yanso combat the
stigma and empower women and girls with education and skills they need in
development of healthy minds and bodies.
No comments:
Post a Comment