Kathmandu: The three-day International Learning Conference on Dignified Menstruation 2025 concluded today by issuing a 12-point Kathmandu Declaration.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the Conference, held from December 8-10, coincided with the 7th International Dignified Menstruation Day under the theme ‘Dignified Menstruation: Reclaim inherent dignity, equity, and inalienable rights’. The event gathered over 140 participants from 21 countries to discuss menstrual discrimination and strategies for promoting dignified menstruation.
The event was led by the Global South Coalition for Dignified Menstruation (GSCDM) and co-organized with the National Youth Council of Nepal and MenEngage Alliance (Global). It emphasized the need for systemic change across all sectors to ensure dignified menstruation by fostering equal power relations and inclusivity among all individuals, regardless of whether they menstruate.
The Conference recognized menstruation as an unavoidable aspect of life and identified menstrual discrimination as a complex issue. It advocated for a dignified menstruation framework, which is decolonized, inclusive, and human rights-based, to be integrated into various settings. This framework aims to ensure dignity, equity, and meaningful participation for all menstruators.
The sessions also highlighted that menstrual and gender stereotypes contribute to sexual and gender-based violence in various sectors, including health and education. It was noted that many menstruators still rely on undignified menstrual products and inadequate WASH facilities.
Participants explored the roles of art, literature, children, non-menstruators, religious leaders, and media in combating menstrual discrimination. The discussion also presented dignified menstruation as a political issue, urging government and parliamentarian involvement in policy transformation.
The Kathmandu Declaration pointed out that menstrual discrimination should be recognized as a distinct form of discrimination, historically overlooked and misunderstood. It called for the integration of dignified menstruation into at least nine Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to enhance interventions aimed at achieving SDG 2030.