Nepali businesses can improve MHM at workplaces while also promoting inclusive growth: study

KATHMANDU: The USAID Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Partnership and Learning for Sustainability (WASHPaLS) programme held in Kathmandu convened 75 Nepali business leaders and policymakers for ‘Menstruation at Work: Improving Business Outcomes’, on Monday. [gallery columns="1" link="file" size="full" ids="17279,17283"] This event marked the end of a groundbreaking nine-month pilot operation that demonstrated how Nepali businesses can improve menstrual hygiene management (MHM) in their workplaces while also promoting inclusive growth.   Menstruation is often a source of shame, embarrassment, and physical discomfort for women in Nepal and globally. This can prevent women from going to work, from engaging at their full potential in the workplace, or from excelling on the job, which in turn can negatively impact household income and the national economy. Based on the two pilot programmes at Shangrila Carpet Factory and Milha Custom Rugs, ‘Menstruation at Work: Improving Business Outcomes’ highlighted the impact of private sector leadership in creating menstruation-friendly workplaces for women, businesses, and inclusive economic growth for all Nepali people. [gallery columns="1" link="file" size="full" ids="17281,17282"] Chief Guest at the event Dr Dil Bahadur Gurung from the National Planning Commission made remarks while Dr Usha Jha, former member of the National Planning Commission, gave the keynote address. USAID/Nepal Mission Director Sepideh Keyvanshad, who attended the event, said, “USAID is collaborating with the private sector to help meet our joint responsibility for improving society, while making sure economic growth is inclusive of the vulnerable, the poor, and the marginalised populations, leaving no one behind.” She continued, “We hope the results from the study will generate more interest among business leaders and public sector experts in addressing MHM at workplaces because it is good for employees and for businesses.” A panel discussion moderated by the Vice President of the Federation of Women Entrepreneurs Association of Nepal, Neeru Rayamajhi Katri, also took part in the event. The panel of experts included Guna Raj Shrestha from the MHM Partners Alliance, Dr Anjana Dongol from Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences, Dorje Lama, the owner of Shangrila Carpet Factory, and Jiblal Pokharel from Nepal CRS Company. READ ALSO:

• Unilever Nepal partners with Maiti Nepal to improve women's employability
• Webinar held to enhance banking, risk financing skills of women entrepreneurs
• Exhibition by three women entrepreneurs opened today
• Nepal CRS launches biodegradable sanitary pad in Dadeldhura