We are excited to learn that Himshikhara Socio-Cultural Society (HISCUS), our partner NGO in Nepal, has commenced a Dignity Empowerment programme for 12 schools in marginalised areas around Kathmandu. They will be addressing the often-taboo subject in Nepal, of menstruation. It is a sad fact that the onset of menstruation causes many girls to drop out of school in Nepal due to lack of money to buy hygiene products. IAFN is a UK Charity, and partners with TNT. It has considerable experience in educating groups about menstruation and methods of making reusable hygiene products. IAFN has generously agreed to fund the programme.
Here is an extract from a report written by HISCUS:
Himshikhara Socio Cultural Society (HISCUS) is a nonprofit organization established in 1998
with the aim of empowering marginalized Nepali communities through sustainable practices and
inclusive education. Guided by its vision to support Nepal’s sustainable development, HISCUS
works to bridge disparities by providing essential health, educational, and economic
opportunities.
Building on the success of previous cloth pad-making programs HISCUS has done with local
women, which promoted menstrual health and sustainable hygiene practices, HISCUS has
expanded this initiative to include schoolgirls and Female Community Health Volunteers
(FCHVs) in rural and peri-urban areas. Through structured, hands-on workshops, participants
gain practical skills to produce reusable sanitary pads while also learning to share their
knowledge within their communities. This approach not only addresses immediate menstrual
hygiene needs but also fosters long-term community empowerment and sustainable change.
2. Purpose:
The overall aim of the program is to enhance menstrual health awareness, promote sustainable
hygiene, and empower communities. For students, the focus is on female students in Grades 8
and 9 from low-income, migrant backgrounds, helping them understand menstrual health, gain
practical skills in making reusable cloth pads, and participate in open, supportive discussions.
The program seeks to challenge stigma, provide accurate information, and build confidence so
students can manage their periods effectively and share knowledge within their communities.
3. Logistics and Operations
Venue Details: The event was held at Shree Ranidevi Secondary School, Kathmandu. The
government school serves as a vital educational institution for the local community, situated in a
predominantly low-income, migrant neighbourhood.
Here is an extract from a report written by HISCUS:
Himshikhara Socio Cultural Society (HISCUS) is a nonprofit organization established in 1998
with the aim of empowering marginalized Nepali communities through sustainable practices and
inclusive education. Guided by its vision to support Nepal’s sustainable development, HISCUS
works to bridge disparities by providing essential health, educational, and economic
opportunities.
Building on the success of previous cloth pad-making programs HISCUS has done with local
women, which promoted menstrual health and sustainable hygiene practices, HISCUS has
expanded this initiative to include schoolgirls and Female Community Health Volunteers
(FCHVs) in rural and peri-urban areas. Through structured, hands-on workshops, participants
gain practical skills to produce reusable sanitary pads while also learning to share their
knowledge within their communities. This approach not only addresses immediate menstrual
hygiene needs but also fosters long-term community empowerment and sustainable change.
2. Purpose:
The overall aim of the program is to enhance menstrual health awareness, promote sustainable
hygiene, and empower communities. For students, the focus is on female students in Grades 8
and 9 from low-income, migrant backgrounds, helping them understand menstrual health, gain
practical skills in making reusable cloth pads, and participate in open, supportive discussions.
The program seeks to challenge stigma, provide accurate information, and build confidence so
students can manage their periods effectively and share knowledge within their communities.
3. Logistics and Operations
Venue Details: The event was held at Shree Ranidevi Secondary School, Kathmandu. The
government school serves as a vital educational institution for the local community, situated in a
predominantly low-income, migrant neighbourhood.
Photos by Himshikhara from first school visit 18th September 2025
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