Delay in implementing resolution motion on dignified menstruation riles activists

Kathmandu, Nov 14: Stakeholders have expressed disappointment over the delay in implementation of the 'Resolution Motion on Dignified Menstruation', saying the inaction frustrated rights activists.

During a programme held in the federal capital on Thursday, rights activists took part in a panel discussion with members of the National Assembly (NA). The NA had unanimously endorsed the resolution on March 21. The panel also included the proposer of the Resolution Motion, Madan Kumari Shah ‘Garima’, and the dignified menstruation expert and writer Dr Radha Paudel.

President of the Public Policy and Delegated Legislation Committee, Maya Prasad Sharma, however, said the Committee had held frequent discussions on the implementation process. “We are serious about this matter but the implementation lies in the government’s hands. It remains our top priority and concern,” he vowed.

Similarly, President of the Federalism Enablement and National Concerns Committee, Sonam Geljen Sherpa, said dignified menstruation is not only an agenda of the National Assembly but a national issue. He stressed the need for public pressure and social awareness to remind the government of its responsibility to enforce the resolution. “It is not that this issue is not our priority, but the implementation has been delayed,” he added.

Proposer Shah admitted prolonged delay in implementation and expressed hope that all stakeholders would demonstrate concern and commitment toward enforcing the resolution.

Dr Paudel remarked that dignified menstruation is not just the concern of activists. The passage of the Resolution Motion last March had drawn global attention and raised hopes for a more equitable society free from menstrual discrimination. “It is painful to see that no substantial steps have been taken toward implementation yet,” she said.

Participants urged lawmakers to take the matter seriously and leave no stone unturned to ensure effective and timely enforcement of the Resolution Motion.

The Resolution Motion calls for ending all forms of menstrual discriminations, including silence, taboos, shame, stigma, restrictions, abuse, violence, social exclusion, and deprivation from services and resources throughout the menstruators’ lifecycle. “Dignified menstruation is a human right of all menstruators and must be acknowledged, practiced, and institutionalized accordingly,” the proposal read.