Menstrual Discrimination in Nepal: A Hidden Barrier to Climate and Gender Justice

Nepal is making significant progress in discussing the intersection of climate change and sexual health rights. However, a critical issue often goes unnoticed: menstrual discrimination.

The Overlooked Roadblock

Menstrual discrimination is deeply rooted in power struggles and traditional gender roles. It poses a substantial obstacle to fair climate and health policies.

Government Efforts and Gaps

• Sexual Health Rights: The government has been working on sexual health rights since 2000.
• Respectful Menstruation: Specific rules about respectful menstruation were introduced in 2017.
• Policy Oversight: Menstrual discrimination is notably absent in climate change policies, which focus on gender equality and inclusion but fail to address menstruation-related issues and their lifelong impacts.

Prevalence of Menstrual Discrimination

Menstrual discrimination is pervasive in Nepal, affecting individuals regardless of their socioeconomic status or geographical location. Current policies on sexual health and climate change fall short in addressing this critical issue, missing opportunities for genuine equality and inclusion.

Call to Action

Research underscores the need to scrutinize menstrual discrimination, understand its implications, and devise strategies to combat it. By doing so, sexual health and climate change policies can be enhanced, fostering true gender justice and human rights.

Guiding Policymakers

The study's findings offer valuable insights for policymakers to develop more effective plans and overcome these challenges.