Hult Prize KU Takes Menstrual Health to the Classroom

Hushed voices linger in the hallways and washrooms as menstruation is still a forbidden topic to speak out loud. Girls are afraid to talk about periods as society has always viewed menstruation as something that is not acceptable to bring into a conversation. They are terrified to speak up because of these restrictions imposed on them in the name of cultural disrespect. These restrictions not only adversely affect their health, but also school absenteeism, low self-esteem and long-term inequality.

Shopkeepers still wrap the pads in newspapers or any paper so that, a necessity that is required by half of the world stays covered. This unnecessary veil on menstruation has had young girls afraid to ask for the help they really need. The awareness of basic menstrual health care is so limited that girls do not have enough information about how to care for their changing bodies.
To break this silence and empower young girls, the Organizing Committee of Hult Prize at Kathmandu University reached Siddhartha Vanasthali Institute, Panauti on Friday, November 21, 2025 and conducted a session on menstrual health. From questions to conversations and silence to confidence, we created a safe space for everyone to talk about their menstrual health. The session was everything we hoped for.

We were able to provide all the information the girls whispered to each other in secret. Our session combined engaging discussions, interactive activities and real demonstrations to ensure that the students were able to learn everything they needed to know. Our session aimed not only to teach about basic menstrual health information but to create a safe space for everyone to voice out their every concern and question they had always wanted to ask but were turned away.

We made sure that the students were able to understand menstruation in a simple way and could separate myths from facts. Together, we tackled the oppression imposed on menstrual health and debunked the taboos that we still hear at home. We ensured that students felt comfortable participating in our session and asking questions without any shame.
What started as whispered voices among the students, transformed into a full-blown discussion; a step that brought us closer to breaking the long held taboo. The session was respectful and inclusive, ensuring that no student felt judged or embarrassed.

A significant part of the event was made possible through the support of Jasmine Hygiene Products, who generously provided us with sanitary pads for the students. Their contribution made it possible for us to discuss menstrual hygiene management, including the demonstration of safe practices and disposal of sanitary products.
As the session came to an end, myths dissolved and fears were acknowledged. The students understood that menstruation is not a burden to hide but a natural part of life that deserves respect and understanding.
Menstrual health matters and when we spoke about it boldly. We created a small initiative for change. This session was not just an event, it was a step toward normalizing a conversation that should have never been silenced in the first place.

As the Hult Prize at Kathmandu University, we remain committed to fostering awareness, dignity, and empowerment in our communities. Because when girls are informed and unashamed, they don’t just learn better, they live better.