By Claudia Kruger | Fundraiser
On December 3rd, it's Giving Tuesday, a worldwide initiative that celebrates helping others and giving generously to those in need. On Giving Tuesday, GlobalGiving is matching each donation! The matching amount is dependent on the total amount of donations.
We wish you a happy Giving Tuesday by supporting women and girls in Nepal and ending menstruation exile!
Danashara is 60 years old and lives in far-western Nepal with her son, daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren. A few years ago, she would hardly have thought that at such an advanced age, she would learn so many new things that would change her and her family's lives so dramatically. She speaks with gratitude about the "Dignity for Women in Nepal" project, because she knows that her grandchildren and the younger generation are now spared much of what she has endured for so many years of her life.
Due to traditional beliefs, menstruating women in Nepal have been considered impure for many generations. They are therefore forced to spend the days of their period alone in remote, simple huts and are forbidden from contacting their families. Their diet is restricted during this time. Old rags are usually used as a makeshift for their period.
Danashara was never able to attend school herself. Now she has been able to learn a lot about hygiene, women's health during menstruation, and healthy nutrition in the women's group of the "Dignity for Women" project. At first, she was afraid that the gods would be angry if they no longer observed the old traditional practices. But the slow changes and new experiences have shown her that the gods mean well for menstruating women and that she has nothing to fear.
She now does everything she can to ensure that young women are allowed to stay in their family and sleep in their bed during their period, use the toilet, and receive good nutrition. The project supports the provision of soap, sanitary napkins, underwear, and other hygiene items for daily use.
The mothers-in-law have a particularly strong influence in the families and are often not so easy to convince. Danashara has become a shining example that it is still a great liberation for older women to break away from old, unhelpful beliefs. She is proud and happy that she can now help ensure that young women experience decent conditions when they have their period.
With your donation, we can end menstruation exile in far-west Nepal! Thank you for your generosity!
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