KATHMANDU: More than 200 persons had turned up to cycle for a cause at Basantapur on May 27. Ready with helmets and water bottles for the ride from Basantapur to Mangal Bazaar via Kantipath, Kamaladi, Putalisadak, Maitighar, Kupondole, their aim was to create awareness on menstrual hygiene at the rally organised by X-pose Nepal, an organisation working against sexual violence against women and abuse among young girls and women, to commemorate Menstrual Hygiene Day that falls on May 28.

“As males we can help women maintain their health. We can help them buy sanitary napkins and give them nutritious food. We should avoid having sexual relationship with women when they are menstruating as there are chances of infections,” shared Gyan Maharjan President, X-Pose Nepal.

Both males and females took part in the rally. The cycles had placards that read — ‘I am proud to be woman because

I menstruate.’

There is a hesitation to talk about menstruation as stigma and taboos still prevail in the country. “Women are segregated in sheds in remote areas when they menstruate. The situation in Kathmandu is also difficult. There is no easy access to public toilets and water, as such women face difficulties,” shared Prakash Amatya, Techinical Advisor at Guthi, an organisation, who was there to support the event.

Several speakers shed light upon the need for menstrual hygiene at assembly after the rally. Rajendra Aryal, National President of Federation of Drinking Water and Sanitation Users Nepal, shared, “Women need rest during menses, but in villages, they aren’t allowed to cook but have to work in the fields and carry heavy grass and fodder.”

Renu Khatri, 20, a resident of Satdobato, felt that taking part in the rally would be “helpful for people to raise awareness about menses and reproductive health. Cycling keeps us healthy, and I feel that it will help women become healthy too”