Eco Saathi Nepal, in collaboration with Untold Period Stories and Period Kaa Kura, organised an event titled ‘Green Menstruation: Mero Mahinawari Hariyo’ on Friday at Impact Hub Kathmandu. The event aimed to raise awareness about eco-friendly menstrual hygiene practices and sustainable period products.

The event attracted over 170 attendees and brought together menstrual rights activists, environmental enthusiasts, and advocates of sustainable menstruation. Attendees explored ways to make menstruation practices healthier for people and the planet through various engaging activities and discussions.

The event featured two-panel discussions moderated by Shristi Kafle from Period Kaa Kura. The first panel, ‘Sustainable Menstruation, The Best Alternative And The Price Differences’ was led by Shristi from Period Kaa Kura which included speakers such as Manu Karki from Eco Saathi Nepal, Maya Khaitu from Days for Girls and Sajana Jirel from Haati Haati.

The second panel, ‘Nutrition, Menstruation and Sustainable Alternatives to Period Products in Nepal’, included speakers: Kiran Prasad Bhandari from Plan International Nepal, Sweekriti Shrestha from Pad2Go, Sharmila Khanal from Hecaf and Pema Gurung from Dharti Mata.

Attendees participated in various activities, including live poetry recitals, workshops, product exhibitions, and games. Haati Haati conducted live sessions on creating reusable cloth pads. Various eco-friendly menstrual products were showcased, with exhibitors explaining their importance in reducing waste and promoting sustainability. Period Kaa Kura hosted a live podcast throughout the day, discussing sustainable menstruation and related topics.

Eight women delivered poetry performances centred on menstruation, its challenges, and its ties to womanhood, fostering a space for open dialogue, creative expression, and actionable solutions, marking a significant step toward creating a future where menstruation is both healthy and eco-friendly.

Attendees were encouraged to bring their mugs to enjoy complimentary tea and coffee, sponsored by So Good Nepal, a brand offering diverse dairy-free milk alternatives. The participants were also urged to carry recyclable packaging bags.

Manu Karki, founding CEO of Eco Saathi Nepal, shares, “Bring Your Own Mug initiative is designed to build a habit of bringing personal cups, promoting sustainability.” She explained, “We also wanted to demonstrate that events can be organised in a plastic-free and environmentally friendly manner.

‘Green Menstruation: Mero Mahinawari Hariyo’ served as a platform for meaningful conversations, innovative ideas, and actionable solutions, marking a significant step toward creating a future where menstruation is both healthy and eco-friendly.

Karki, shared plans for the future following the success of the event. She says, “We aim to organise similar public events three to four times a year, extending beyond Kathmandu. We are aiming to do more events surrounding women’s health and environmental sustainability.”