Transforming and Destigmatizing Menstrual Hygiene Management in the Tsum Valley Region

In the breathtaking scenery of Tsum Valley Region, Drokpo Nepal embarked on a transformative mission to empower communities with essential knowledge on menstrual hygiene management and hands-on training for reusable sanitary pad-making, in collaboration with the Conscious Connection Foundation. Our journey from Kathmandu to Upper Tsum Valley was an adventure fraught with challenges, navigating muddy roads, rocky terrain, landslide-prone sections, and babbling streams. Yet, each obstacle reinforced our determination to reach remote villages where access to basic necessities is an uphill battle every day.

Arriving at the first village, Chhokhangparo, marked a moment of triumph, but the true adventure unfolded in our interactions with the participants. Engaging with women, girls, nuns, and community leaders, we conducted workshops across 12 villages and 2 nunneries, aiming to educate and empower by dispelling stigmas and promoting sustainable practices. With invaluable support from the Kyimolung Foundation, Mothers Groups, and local government, we overcame logistical hurdles creatively, utilizing local resources like riverbanks, gompas, and residential yards for workshop settings.

Initially met with hesitation and shyness, the participants' eagerness and openness revealed a deep desire for change and knowledge. As our journey progressed, participation swelled, with 435 individuals aged 13 to 60 receiving menstruation kits alongside workshop sessions. Their stories spoke volumes – from Dolma's recounting of her first period without sanitary pads to Tsering's struggle with the high cost of hygiene products. Overwhelmingly, participants expressed gratitude for the newfound knowledge and requested future programs and screening camps.

Descending from the mountains, we carried not only memories of breathtaking landscapes but also the fulfillment of leaving a lasting impact. The 12 villages we reached now possess vital knowledge on menstrual hygiene and sustainable practices, fostering empowerment that will echo far beyond the reverberations of our footsteps.

What began as a hike evolved into a transformative experience, leaving behind a trail of positive change destined to unfold in the highlands long after our backpacks were stowed away.