Overview

The Garima Project aims to eliminate menstrual discrimination and harmful practices associated with Chhaupadi in western Nepal while improving access to menstrual hygiene management and sexual and reproductive health services.

Despite national efforts to end menstrual discrimination, women and girls continue to face exclusion from homes, schools, public spaces and community life during menstruation and after childbirth. These practices undermine dignity, restrict educational and economic opportunities and negatively affect physical and mental health.

The project supports women and girls to exercise greater control over their menstrual and reproductive health while promoting positive social norms and institutional accountability.

A total of 11,490 women and girls and 5,167 men are expected to benefit directly through improved menstrual health, increased freedom of choice and greater social inclusion.

Background and Situation Assessment

Chhaupadi remains widely practiced across western Nepal despite legal prohibition and awareness efforts. Women and girls are often excluded from family and community during menstruation and after childbirth.

Feasibility study shows the following practices in the project area:

• Separate sleeping arrangements during menstruation
• Restrictions on water taps and toilets
• Food restrictions including dairy products
• Untouchability practices in kitchens and temples
• Strong influence of older family members
• Limited sexual and reproductive health knowledge
• Low menstrual support in schools
• Influence of traditional healers
• Deep-rooted cultural beliefs
• Gender discrimination in communities

Overall Goal

To contribute to women and girls in western Nepal enjoying equal educational opportunities, improved health outcomes and freedom from social taboos related to menstruation.

Objectives

1. Change in menstrual practices: Women and girls practise safe and hygienic menstruation.
2. Community support: Religious leaders, traditional healers, men and community champions support healthy menstrual practices.
3. State accountability: Local governments and health services promote menstrual health and SRH rights.
4. Institutional strengthening: Capacities of local organisations are enhanced for long-term sustainability.

Key Activities

Outcome I - Change in menstrual practices

• Conduct 111 health mother group and 92 mother in law group meetings in 147 villages
• Distribute menstrual hygiene kits
• Formation of girls' clubs in 17 schools
• Training for adolescent girls and gender focal person
• Conduct water conservation, cleanliness and waste management campaigns by women leaders
• Exposure visits to Chhaupadi-free communities in Bajhang
• Conduct workshop for 60 women who don't practice Chaupaddi

Outcome II - Community support

• Organize community meetings for men and boys in 22 wards
• Celebrate health days
• Organize school health screening and counselling
• Orientation for parents and school management communities (SMCS) on MHM, child protection and gender equality
• Training of teachers on Menstural Health and hygiene management and Comprehensive sexual education
• Develop and distribute educational material
• Conduct media campaigns

Outcome III - Stakeholder engagement

• Advocacy with local governments
• Health worker and Health Facility Operation Management Community training
• FCHV training
• Development of women's leadership
• Mobilisation of women's and girl's network
• Video documentation

Outcome IV - Co-ordination and monitoring

• District Advisory Committee meetings
• Local Advisory Committee meetings
• Monitoring visits
• Social audits and mobilisation

Partner Organisations

• Funding & Technical Support: Karuna Deutschland e.V., BMZ, Karuna Trust and ProVictimis
• Implementing Agencies: Green Tara Nepal


• Consortium partners: Rural Education and Environment Development Center (REED Nepal)