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 are expected to benefit directly through improved menstrual health, increased freedom of choice and greater social inclusion.

Background and Situation Assessment

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

• 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

Objective One

• 111 community group meetings in 147 villages
• Distribution of menstrual hygiene kits
• Girls' clubs in 17 schools
• Training for adolescent girls
• Cleanliness and water conservation campaigns
• Exposure visits to Chhaupadi-free communities

Objective Two

• Community meetings in 22 wards
• Health and awareness celebrations
• School health screening and counselling
• Teacher training on MHM and CSE
• Educational material distribution
• Media campaigns

Objective Three

• Advocacy with local governments
• Health worker and HFOMC training
• FCHV training
• Women's leadership development
• Community mobilisation
• Video documentation

Objective Four

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

Partner Organisations

• Funding & Technical Support: Karuna Deutschland e.V., BMZ and Karuna Trust
• Implementing Agencies: Green Tara Nepal and REED Nepal
• Target Population: 11,490 women and girls and 5,167 men

Team Members

Karuna Deutschland e.V. & Karuna Trust

• Susanne Troud-Dubois
• Deepak Mohapatra

Green Tara Nepal

• Ram Chandra Silwal – Executive Director
• Salita Gurung – Senior Project Manager
• Sujita Napit

REED Nepal

• Bhim Bogati – Chief Executive Director