Strength TogetHER 5- Session 6

  



7th November 2020

In the typical Nepali society, menstruation is still a taboo more than a monthly process. Many girls still get scared when they get their first period thinking as if it's a sin. And when she gets it for the first time, she is actually treated like it's a sin she has committed. She is forbidden and set under certain boundaries. She has to go through many cultures that makes no sense if we think for a while. Thus, we thought talking about this particular issue would be a really be fruitful.


Strength TogetHER cohort 5 conducted its sixth session on 7th November,2020. Our moderator for the session was Ms. Simran Khatri, who has currently finished her bachelors in development studies. She is also the member of Global Peace women and Hatti Hatti. Having an approximate number of 15 girls, we started off with sharing the stories first.


• Our first speaker said that she was really excited about her first period. She and her best friend planned to stay together when they experience their first menstruation. Summing up, it was weird yet beautiful experience.


•Our second speaker got her first period while she was traveling. This created boundary for her as she could not enjoy water sports during her menstruation. It was horrifying one as it created obstruction in her journey.


• Our third speaker experienced her first period when she was too young. She was advised to isolate herself for almost 12 days. She had to perform many rituals as well. This experience really made her crazy as she was considered "untouchable" at that time of month.


•Our last speaker was clueless about that red stain. Eventually, she got her periods at that time when she was attending a marriage function. She was forcefully advised to isolate herself. She was not allowed to enter into kitchen. This really made her feel impute. First experience was not a good one.


Hearing the experiences, we could sum up that the first experience is always a mix of excitement and agony. Thus, we got to understand the necessity of educating young girls about menstruation hygiene or menstrual cycle.


On hearing all of the stories, our moderator had some knowledge to exchange:



Menstrual hygiene is important because it reduces the chances of diseases.

• Having menstrual cycle is a sign that our body is functioning properly

• Menstrual hygiene should never be ignored as it may leads to severe diseases.

• Use cotton sanitary napkin and cotton inner wears.

• Stay hydrated, drink hot water during your menstruation.

• Process of ovulation.


All in all, this proved to be a really informative session where we got to exchange our views, stories and perspectives upon menstruation. We're looking forward for more productive sessions.

Written by: Manaswi Agrawal (Coordinator)

Edited by: Aastha Shrestha (LOKOPAKAR)





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