1. Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) in Community and School

2. Menstrual Hygiene Management: Scenario of Nepal
Poor menstrual hygiene and management is an issue that is insufficiently acknowledged and has not received sufficient attention
Many misconceptions on menstruation and menstrual cycle are supporting for faulty menstrual practices.
- During the period of first menstruation, she is not allowed to look the sun
- She is not allowed to touch anyone for 4-5 days
- She is kept out of home
- She is not allowed to go temple

3. Community Empowerment for Health Promotion Programme (CEHP)
Timeframe: Jan 2015-June 2018
Objective / aim (specific to MHM)- To improve health status through increased awareness on menstrual hygiene, build self esteem and empower to reduce stigmas and support to increase access to MHM friendly infrastructures

4. Key components for MHM related interventions Institutionalization
Capacity building
Provision for MHM

5. MHM in Community: Institutionalization
Existence of Health Mothers Groups (HMGs) and Ward WASH Coordination Committees (W-WASH-CCs)
Reformation of HMGs and W-WASH-CCs
Preparation and implementation of annual action plan of HMGs and W-WASH-CCs
Existence of knowledge and skill transformation system

6. MHM in school: Institutionalization
Existence of Students' club/Junior Red Cross Circle (JRC) in school
JRC is officially accepted by District Education Office and School Management Committee (SMC)
General assembly and reformation of JRC in the beginning of each academic year
Plan of students' club/JRC is a part of the plan of SMC
Trained teachers and skill transformation system

9. MHM in community: Capacity building
WASH training to W-WASH-CC , HMG members and FCHVs
Skill and knowledge transformation to other community members through trained people
Interaction among community people
Awareness raising through different events i.e. rally, competitions, appreciation

13. MHM in school: Capacity building
School WASH training
- Key messages/Practices on WASH
- Key message of reproductive health
- Practical session on preparation of re-usable sanitary pad
Skill and knowledge transformation to other students through trained teachers and students
Interaction with students
Orientation to School Management Committee

15. Provision for MHM at school
Girls friendly latrine with incinerator
Pad burning and cleaning mechanism
Storage and Supply mechanism of sanitary pad at school
WASH/replenishment fund

18. Advocacy activities and achievements:
Organized series of advocacy activities at district level to address the gap in existing school curriculum; - MHM related supplementary school curriculum developed (endorsed by curriculum development centre) and those materials are being used in all schools of Dang and Rolpa district
Supported to organize district, regional and national level workshops to address MHM related issues
- Development and implementation of regional level MHM related declaration note
- Formed National level MHM Practitioners' Alliance (MHM-PA); a common platform to advocate on MHM issues
- Organizing and participating at different MHM related events as being a member organization of MHM-PA
- Contributed to draft the 'National Dignified Menstruation Policy '

21. Advocacy for the establishment of menstrual hygiene friendly workplace

22. Lesson learnt and Recommendations:
MHM requires a holistic multi-sectoral approach including GOs, I/NGOs and development partners to be adequately addressed
Incorporation of MHM in existing curriculum for increased awareness remains crucial
Traditional healers and priests should be mobilized to break the social stigma and taboos related to menstruation
The mass awareness campaign should be continued to break the silence around menstruation
Continuous joint effort among the government agencies, advocators and development partners is still needed to implement MHM related policies and guidelines.

23. Thank you!