Program Overview

The Secret Women’s Program serves a dual purpose: it provides employment to sewing graduates, allowing them to gain real-world experience in manufacturing, sales, and bookkeeping, while also tackling critical issues of hygiene, health education, and gender equality. 

The program manufactures washable sanitary kits, which are distributed to underprivileged school girls, orphans, and women in difficult living situations across Nepal.

Sanitary Kits Contents

Each kit contains essential items designed to provide comfort, safety, and dignity during menstruation:

• A durable bag to hold and store the kit.
• Sanitary shield to provide protection.
• Five specially made towels to offer reliable and reusable sanitary coverage.
• Bag for hygienic storage and easy transport.
• Using instructions to ensure the kits are properly used and maintained.

Along with distributing these kits, recipients also receive vital education on menstrual hygiene and lessons on the reproductive system. This comprehensive approach ensures that women and girls are equipped not only with the tools to manage menstruation safely but also with the knowledge to understand their bodies.

Breaking Taboos and Challenging Superstition

In some asectors in Nepal, menstruation is often surrounded by superstition and stigma, leading to harmful practices. Even though the practice of sending menstruating women to “Goths” (isolated huts or dog houses) was outlawed in 1995, this ritual still exist in remote regions. Women and girls in these situations are often exposed to significant risks, including vermin, snakes, and violence, including sexual assault. Unfortunately, even educated women may be discouraged from participating in everyday activities like cooking while menstruating.

The Secret Women’s Program aims to empower women by challenging these harmful traditions. By providing washable sanitary kits and offering comprehensive hygiene education, the program helps break the silence surrounding menstruation and promotes gender equality. Women are taught to take pride in their health and well-being, while also gaining the tools needed for safe, hygienic menstruation.

Why this Program is Important

• Empowering Women: Offers employment and skill development to sewing graduates, fostering financial independence.
• Breaking Social Barriers: Addresses menstrual taboos and provides dignity, health education, and safety.
• Sustainable Solutions: Washable, reusable kits promote environmental sustainability and long-term health benefits.
• Holistic Approach: Combines sanitary kit distribution with education on hygiene, reproductive health, and menstrual care.
• Targeted Impact: Focuses on supporting vulnerable girls and women, especially in remote and marginalised communities.
• School girls can attend school every day of the month breaking down gender inequality.