Promoting Menstrual Hygiene Education & Reusable Sanitary Napkins (MHE)

Project Facts

PROJECT CATEGORY

Health and Education

STATUS

Completed

LOCATION

Kathmandu rural periphery and hill communities, Nepal

START DATE

END DATE

BENEFICIARIES

500+ women and girls

About the Project

Promoting Menstrual Hygiene Education and Re-usable Sanitary Napkins in Women Groups (MHE) was ILIN’s initiative to break the silence and stigma surrounding menstruation while promoting healthier, more sustainable hygiene practices. Many women and girls in disadvantaged and rural communities lack accurate information about menstrual health and cannot regularly afford disposable sanitary products. Through this project, ILIN combined reproductive and menstrual health awareness with the distribution of eco-friendly, reusable sanitary napkin kits — and supported local sewing production of those napkins. By reaching more than 500 women and girls, the project promoted dignity, health, and confidence while offering an affordable, environmentally sustainable alternative to disposable products.

Objectives

Raise awareness of menstrual and reproductive health among women and girls.
Break menstrual taboos and reduce the stigma surrounding menstruation.
Improve access to affordable, eco-friendly reusable sanitary products.
Promote sustainable, hygienic menstrual practices in women’s groups and communities.
Support local production of reusable sanitary napkins.

Activities

Conducting menstrual and reproductive health awareness sessions for women and girls.
Distributing eco-friendly reusable sanitary napkin kits to participants.
Supporting local sewing and production of reusable napkins.
Engaging women’s groups to encourage open discussion and sustained hygiene practices.
Promoting the health, cost, and environmental benefits of reusable products.

Project Outcomes

More than 500 women and girls reached with menstrual hygiene education and support.
Increased awareness of menstrual and reproductive health, with reduced stigma and taboo.
Improved access to affordable, sustainable menstrual hygiene products.
Adoption of healthier, eco-friendly menstrual practices in the community.
Local production of reusable napkins supported affordability and sustainability.

Project Partners

Witwen-und Waisenprojekte Nepal (WWPN)

Primary funding and strategic partner — funded the awareness activities and the production and distribution of reusable sanitary napkin kits.