Damak to provide free sanitary pads for women year-round

By Bishnu Prasad Pokharel,Damak, Nov. 28: In a significant step to promote women’s reproductive health rights, Damak Municipality in Jhapa has announced plans to provide free sanitary pads to all women in the city throughout the year.

This initiative was unveiled during a rally held as part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, a global campaign aimed at combating violence against women and girls.

This year’s campaign in Damak places a strong emphasis on reproductive health and hygiene as vital components of addressing gender violence and inequality. 

Mayor Ram Kumar Thapa informed that the programme, which was previously introduced for only female students in community schools, has now been expanded to include all women in the municipality.

“The decision to provide free sanitary pads year-round has already come into effect from the beginning of the current fiscal year,” Mayor Thapa said. 

Women can access the pads easily at their nearest urban health centre. 

He also assured that a systematic and efficient distribution process would soon be established to ensure accessibility.

Deputy Mayor Regina Bhattarai highlighted the critical importance of the initiative in protecting women’s health and rights. 

“The lack of access to safe sanitary pads during menstruation can lead to infections and other serious health complications,” she said.

Bhattarai also pointed out that financial constraints and a lack of awareness remain significant barriers for many women, noting that a large number of women still do not use sanitary pads.

Reaffirming the municipality’s commitment to women’s reproductive health, Bhattarai stated, “The constitution guarantees the right to safe motherhood and reproductive health for every woman. This programme is a direct response to the local government’s duty to uphold these rights.”