Kathmandu: Prime Minister Sushila Karki has emphasized the importance of recognizing menstruation as a natural and biological process that deserves respect, rather than being a source of silence, stigma, and discrimination. She highlighted these issues during a speech, noting that menstrual discrimination is a form of gender-based violence, especially relevant as the world observes the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the Prime Minister condemned any form of discriminatory practices, stressing that they are unacceptable. She reiterated the government’s commitment to promoting menstruation as a matter of dignity, equality, and human rights, noting that laws, policies, and programs have been developed to support this commitment.
Prime Minister Karki extended her best wishes to women, girls, and stakeholders involved in promoting dignified menstruation on the occasion of Dignified Menstruation Day. She also mentioned that the Ministry of Women, Children, and Senior Citizens is nearing the final phase of preparing Guidelines on Dignified Menstruation, which she oversees.
She described the unanimous endorsement of the Resolution Motion on Dignified Menstruation by the upper house on March 21 as a historic advancement for dignified menstruation. This step reflects Nepal’s policy direction on the matter, she stated.
The Prime Minister declared the government’s intention to enhance legal, policy, structural, and behavioral improvements in line with the Resolution Motion and global human rights standards. She urged civil society organizations and political institutions to embrace the agenda of dignified menstruation, advocating for an environment where all menstruators can live with dignity. She hopes this Day will contribute to ending the insults, marginalization, and violence associated with menstruation.
In conjunction with these efforts, the three-day International Learning Conference on Dignified Menstruation commenced, celebrating the 7th International Day on Dignified Menstruation, observed annually on December 8.