When I first applied for the Pad2Go Summer Fellowship 2024, I had no idea how transformative the journey would be– not just for the communities I worked with but for my own personal and professional growth. Over the course of June-November 2024, I immersed myself in menstrual advocacy in Nepal by mapping policies related to menstrual health and at times changing my own perspective of Menstrual Health Advocacy. Here, I would like to share some lessons I learned, the challenges I faced, and the impact we have created together.
What is the Pad2GO Nepal and Pad2Go Summer Fellowship?
Pad2Go Nepal is a for-profit enterprise founded by two young women, that blends innovation, advocacy, and impact to address menstrual health challenges in Nepal. Established in 2018, Pad2Go introduced Nepal’s first sanitary napkins vending machines and has since expanded its initiatives to include impactful campaigns like Raato Kar Maaf Gar (advocating for tax exemptions on menstrual products) and Period in Prison (focusing on menstrual equity in the prison system). Pad2Go aims to ensure access, inclusivity, and dignity for menstruators in all sectors of the society.
The Pad2Go Summer Fellowship is a program that provides an opportunity for individuals passionate about menstrual advocacy in Nepal. Through the fellowship, selected participants contribute to Pad2Go’s mission by working on weekly tasks such as policy mapping, research and writing, advocacy campaigns, and community outreach. This program offers insights into menstrual policy in Nepal through impactful initiatives like installing pad vending machines, conducting menstrual health workshops, and making reusable pads. The fellowship provides a platform for skill-building in areas like research, advocacy, and community engagement, while also fostering collaboration with experts and stakeholders in the field. Individuals interested in the fellowship in upcoming years are encouraged to apply and are promised an insightful journey in advocating for menstrual health and policy in Nepal
A Lesson in Listening: The Most Valuable Skill Gained
During the Pad2Go Summer Fellowship, participants are assigned tasks each week. These tasks focus on the exploration and deeper understanding of menstrual policies and stigmas in Nepal. During one of the weeks, I was tasked with researching and mapping menstrual health policies in Nepal, which required analysis and critical thinking. What made this experience even more enriching for me was the feedback and guidance from one of the co-founders. Their review sharpened my research and writing skills and helped me understand how to approach policy analysis with nuance and clarity. This learning experience provided a unique way to conduct impactful research and improve my writing skills, which I will carry forward in my advocacy journey.
A Shift in Perspective
In Nepal, the concept of intersectionality is not commonly acknowledged when advocating for menstrual rights. The conversation around menstruation mainly focuses on girls and women. During the fellowship, the major shift in my perspective was recognizing the importance of inclusive language in menstrual health advocacy. Menstruation is not limited to women; it also includes transgender men and non-binary individuals who experience menstruation. This realization highlights the need to move beyond traditional narratives and adopt terms like “menstruators” or “menstruating individuals” to ensure representation of all individuals in the conversation about menstruation. Inclusive language creates a more equitable approach to addressing menstrual challenges. The fellowship helped me shift my perspective by reshaping my view on advocacy and emphasizing the need for intersectionality and inclusivity in all aspects of the work.
Overcoming the Funding Challenges
Securing funding for the fellowship was one of the major hurdles I faced. I was new to grant writing, and initially, I struggled to navigate the process due to the lack of institutional funding in Nepal. However, I decided to diversify my approach by collaborating with local businesses and reaching out to professional networks for sponsorship. Despite the struggles, it was rewarding to see the meaningful impact the fellowship made among the people in the community.
Making an Impact
The most rewarding part of the fellowship was witnessing the impact of our work. During the fellowship, the Pad2Go team visited a local community school where we introduced different menstrual kits like sanitary pads, menstrual cups, and tampons. We held educational sessions with students from grades 5, 6, 7, and 8, as well as teachers, and also installed the Pad2Go vending machine. The installation of the Pad2Go Vending Machine provided menstruators with easy and dignified access to sanitary napkins. Additionally, the educational sessions conducted by the team on menstrual policies created a safe space to challenge deep-rooted menstrual superstitions among the students. We also taught the students how to make reusable menstrual cloth pads, empowering them with sustainable and economical solutions that ensure long-term benefits.
To the Upcoming Fellows
To the upcoming fellows considering a fellowship with Pad2Go, my advice is simple: immerse yourself fully. Whether it's diving into policy research, leading community workshops, or collaborating with the team, every task presents an opportunity to learn something new. The Pad2Go fellowship is an excellent opportunity for communal impact and personal growth.
Reflecting back, this fellowship wasn’t just an experience for me—it was a call to action. Menstrual health advocacy in Nepal still faces systemic barriers, but Pad2Go's initiative is paving the way for meaningful change. I am proud to have contributed to this mission. It was a transformative journey, giving me a chance to grow and make an impact. The fellowship reminds me that even small efforts from us can create a ripple of change. Menstrual advocacy in Nepal is a long road, and I hope this inspires others to join the movement and make a difference.
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