In Nepal, discussions surrounding climate change, sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), and menstruation have increased significantly. The relationship between climate change and SRHR has gained particular attention, with a focus on developing their interconnectedness. Menstrual discrimination (MD) is recognized as a social construct that reinforces power dynamics, and patriarchal structures often present MD as a barrier to gender-sensitive climate or SRHR interventions.
This study reviews national policies on climate change and SRHR, with a particular focus on menstrual discrimination. It aims to examine how MD is addressed in ongoing SRHR and climate change (CC) policies. Accelerating interventions related to SRHR and CC is crucial for achieving broader gender justice and human rights.
The study examines policy documents related to CC and SRHR, highlighting that MD, both tangible and intangible, is rampant nationwide, regardless of class, caste, region, or religion. The government of Nepal has been working on SRHR since 2000, but policies specifically addressing dignified menstruation were not introduced until 2017. Despite the emphasis on gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) in Nepal’s policies, parliamentary discussions on these issues have overlooked menstrual discrimination.
GESI policies and programs do not explicitly address menstruation-related discrimination and its lifelong impact on women. Similarly, SRHR policies have had a similar lack of focus. MD remains an overlooked dimension in the areas of power relations, patriarchy, social environments, and SRHR.
This study suggests a thorough examination of MD and its effects, recommending the inclusion of strategies to eliminate MD in SRHR policies. It also advocates for CC-related policies and projects to ensure real equality and inclusion. The findings of this study will help policymakers develop intervention strategies to overcome the current challenges related to menstrual discrimination and its broader implications.
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