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Project Proposal
Project Title:Empowering Adolescent Girls: Sanitary Pad Vending and Disposal System in Lamjung, Nepal
Background and Problem Statement:
In Nepal, adolescent girls from underprivileged families face significant challenges during their menstrual cycles. Despite the government's initiative to provide sanitary pads in public secondary schools, several issues persist:
Stigma and Hesitation: Many girls feel embarrassed to ask teachers for sanitary pads, leading to hesitancy in using them.
Improper Disposal: Used sanitary pads are often disposed of carelessly, resulting in environmental pollution and clogged school toilets.
Impact on Education: The lack of proper menstrual hygiene management affects girls' mental well-being, school attendance, and academic performance. Some girls are even forced to drop out of school.
In Lamjung District, there are approximately 100 secondary schools, with around 5,000 adolescent girls directly affected by these challenges. Specific surveys conducted in the region highlight that 60% of girls miss school during their menstrual cycles, and 20% are at risk of dropping out altogether. Addressing these issues is essential for their physical and mental well-being, as well as their educational and personal growth.
Project Objectives:
Provide automatic sanitary pad vending machines to 100 secondary schools in Lamjung.
Install sanitary pad disposal machines (incinerators) for proper waste management in these schools.
Conduct awareness programs for students, teachers, and parents on menstrual hygiene and the use of vending and disposal machines.
Improve girls' school attendance and reduce dropouts due to menstrual health challenges.
Promote environmentally friendly practices for sanitary pad disposal.
Proposed Activities:
1. Procurement and Distribution:
Purchase and distribute 100 sanitary pad vending machines and 100 sanitary pad disposal machines (incinerators) to secondary schools.
Ensure each machine is user-friendly, durable, and comes with necessary training manuals in both English and Nepali.
2. Awareness and Training:
Workshops: Conduct interactive workshops for students, teachers, and school management committees on menstrual hygiene and the importance of proper disposal practices.
Content: Sessions will include the biological and psychological aspects of menstruation, myths and taboos, and machine operation.
Inclusive Education: Boys and male teachers will be included to promote inclusivity and reduce stigma.
Staff Training: Train designated school staff on operating and maintaining the machines.
Community Engagement: Involve parents through Parents-Teachers Association meetings to build awareness and foster support.
3. Monitoring and Evaluation:
Establish a monitoring committee comprising Rotary members, school staff, and local government representatives.
Conduct quarterly visits to ensure proper usage and maintenance of machines.
Implement feedback mechanisms, including surveys for students and teachers, to measure the project's impact.
Budget Estimate:
Item
Unit Cost (USD)
Quantity
Total Cost (USD)
Sanitary Pad Vending Machines
200
100
20,000
Disposal Machines (Incinerators)
500
100
50,000
Awareness Workshops
300
20
6,000
Training Materials
5
5,000
25,000
Monitoring and Evaluation
-
-
5,000
Total Estimated Cost
106,000
Funding Strategy:
This project will be proposed under Rotary's Global Grant with contributions from:
Host Club: Rotary Club of Lamjung
International Sponsor: An International Rotary Partner Club
District Designated Funds (DDF): Contributions from Rotary districts
The Rotary Foundation (TRF): Matching contributions
Additionally, partnerships with local NGOs and private sector donors will be explored to supplement funding.
Sustainability Plan:
Collaborations: Work with local government bodies and schools to ensure long-term maintenance of the machines.
Community Involvement: Encourage active participation from parents and teachers' associations.
Integration into Curriculum: Collaborate with the Education Ministry to include menstrual hygiene education in the school curriculum.
Replenishment Mechanism: Develop a cost-sharing model where schools and local governments contribute to replenishing sanitary pads.
Student-Led Hygiene Clubs: Establish clubs to oversee machine maintenance and promote awareness among peers.
Impact:
Improved Hygiene Practices: Enhanced menstrual hygiene practices among 5,000 adolescent girls in Lamjung.
Increased Attendance: Reduction in school absenteeism by at least 50% due to better menstrual health management.
Environmental Sustainability: Proper disposal of used sanitary pads, reducing waste and maintaining clean school premises.
Empowerment: Girls will gain confidence and dignity, contributing to their overall well-being and academic success.
Social Inclusion: Improved understanding and support from male students and teachers, reducing stigma.
Potential Challenges and Mitigation:
Cultural Resistance: Address through community-focused awareness campaigns.
Vandalism: Use durable, tamper-proof machines and engage Hygiene Clubs for oversight.
Machine Maintenance Issues: Train local staff and set up a helpline for technical support.
Conclusion:
This project aims to create a lasting impact on the lives of adolescent girls in Lamjung by addressing critical menstrual hygiene challenges. By leveraging the resources and support of Rotary International and local stakeholders, we can empower these young girls with dignity, health, and opportunities for a brighter future.
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