Kathmandu: The 6th International Dignified Menstruation Day is set to be observed on December 8, with preparations underway to ensure a successful event. This year’s theme, “Upholding Dignified Menstruation: Fundamental to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights,” underscores the importance of the occasion.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the day will be celebrated jointly by the Radha Paudel Foundation, the Global South Coalition for Dignified Menstruation (GSCDM), and other partners. Dr. Radha Paudel, founder and CEO of GSCDM, emphasized the critical role that dignified menstruation plays in addressing systemic inequalities and patriarchal structures. She highlighted menstrual discrimination as a significant issue contributing to social inequality and called for justice and equality across various sectors, including agriculture, sports, and education.
A hybrid conference will be organized in Boston, USA, and Nepal’s federal capital, in partnership with Harvard University, Men Engage Alliance Gl
obal, and other international partners. The event aims to foster global discussions on menstrual dignity and its relevance to sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) and gender equality.
The United Nations Development Programme (PSP), The Colombo Plan, World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), Seti Foundation, Amplify Change, and several consortium partners are set to participate in the observance. GSCDM member organizations will also be actively involved in marking the day across different countries.
Dr. Paudel highlighted the urgency of addressing menstrual discrimination, which remains largely unaddressed in global conversations despite the existence of international human rights instruments like CEDAW, SDGs, and ILO C 190. She stressed the need for broader dialogues, policies, and actions to dismantle menstrual discrimination and promote global awareness.
December 8th’s designation as Dignified Menstruation Day aligns with Human Rights Month and the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. It se
rves as a call to action for individuals and organizations to challenge societal norms that perpetuate menstrual discrimination.
The GSCDM defines dignified menstruation as a transformative approach to addressing menstrual discrimination and fostering equality. The event will feature panel discussions on topics such as ‘Intersection of Menstrual Dignity with SRH for Claiming Gender Equality and Justice with Policy Makers’ and ‘Engagement of Youth in Advocating Dignified Menstruation.’ Additionally, winners of social media challenges and video competitions will be announced, and research grant scholarships will be awarded to students from Kathmandu University.
GSCDM media coordinator Gobinda Khadka confirmed the launch of a media fellowship book as part of the conference, furthering the dialogue on menstrual dignity and its global significance.