This past week has been overwhelming for so many of us with anger, fear, sadness, and then moments of hope, all arriving at once. In this episode of Period Kaa Kura, we step away from our usual focus on menstrual health to have a necessary conversation about emotions.
Joining us is Dr. Bhawana Shrestha from My Emotions Matter, who helps us unpack what it means to name our feelings, to understand them and to respond instead of suppressing them.
This episode is a gentle reminder that we need to check our emotion now and be aware of them. Emotional awareness can make us stronger as individuals and as a country finding its way forward.
Did you know Health, Population and Environment (HPE), the subject that once covered periods, puberty and basic sexual and reproductive health is now optional in Nepali secondary schools? That change matters. A lot.
In this episode of Period Kaa Kura, we sit down with Nirajan Khadka, SRHR Technical Advisor at Plan Nepal, to ask the hard questions: What role should civil society play when the curriculum fails? How can CSOs help make SRH information accessible, accurate and practical for students in grades 9–12? And what does an accountable, community-led approach to menstrual and reproductive education actually look like on the ground?
🎧 Listen to the episode on Period Kaa Kura, available on all major podcast platforms. Share this with a teacher, a school principal, or anyone who still thinks “they’ll learn later."
Ever wondered what hides in the bucket and mug of a rural Nepali toilet and how it might be silently undermining women’s health and dignity?
In this episode of Period Kaa Kura, we sit down with Sabita Adhikari, PhD, The University of Sydney, whose research on Microbial Risk in Rural Sanitation uncovers exactly that. She spent years studying E. coli and other harmful bacteria in everyday sanitation tools across Nepal and Fiji—and the results are a wake‑up call for anyone who cares about public health, menstrual equity, and mental well‑being.
🔍 We’ll explore:
Why sanitation and menstrual health must go hand‑in‑hand
How a poorly cleaned mug can spark serious infections
The hidden mental toll when “safe” spaces aren’t so safe
And Sabita’s own journey of silently breaking menstrual taboos and stigma
If you think menstrual health is just about pads, think again. It’s about dignity, justice, and the unseen risks in our daily habits.
🎧 Tune in to this conversation on Period Kaa Kura
No more tax on pads. Finally.
After four long years of legal struggle, Nepal’s Supreme Court has ordered the government to remove taxes on sanitary pads. A huge step for menstrual justice in Nepal!
In 2021, Shreena Nepal and Abhyuday Bhetwal, students at Kathmandu School of Law, filed a writ petition demanding that sanitary pads be classified as essential goods—not luxury items.
What does this mean?👉 A pack of pads that cost Rs. 60 could now cost around Rs. 50.👉 It boosts domestic production.👉 It’s one step closer to menstrual equity.
In this episode of Period Kaa Kura, we sit down with Shreena Nepal, one of the lawyers who fought this case, to talk about how it all happened, what challenges they faced, and what this decision really means for people who menstruate.
This is something we’ve been talking about for years on Period Kaa Kura — why are pads taxed like luxury items when they’re a basic need? Why is menstruation still so expensive and ignored?
This episode is about that win. But also about what still needs to change to make period products affordable and available for everyone.
Tune in. Celebrate the moment. And keep pushing for change.
#PeriodKaaKura #NoTaxOnPads #PeriodJustice #Nepal #TaxFreeMenstruation
Did you know that Health, Population, and Environment (HPE) is no longer a compulsory subject in secondary grades in Nepal?
This subject used to include important topics like menstruation, puberty, sexual and reproductive health. But now it’s been made optional. That change could have a big impact on how much young people learn about their own bodies.
In this episode, we talk to two people who understand this issue deeply. Suman Silwal is the Education Officer at Ratnanagar Municipality and a former Curriculum Officer at the Curriculum Development Centre. Dev Bahadur Buda is a health teacher at Bheri Madhyamik Vidyalaya in Birendranagar.
In this episode we explore what this change means in practice, what’s still being taught in schools, and what needs to improve. They remind us that it’s not just about having curriculum materials. It’s about making sure they are actually used in the classroom. Because periods and puberty are part of growing up. Education about them shouldn’t be optional.
In this episode of Period Kaa Kura, we sit down with activist and author Dr Radha Paudel to unpack Nepal’s recent National Assembly resolution on ending menstrual discrimination. This is more than just a policy win. It is a milestone in a long fight for justice, equality, and respect for all menstruators.
We talked about the politics, the power dynamics, the language we use (and misuse), and why so much of what we think we know about menstruation might be shaped by others — donors, institutions, or traditions.
This conversation goes deep into the heart of what still needs to change in Nepal: in our homes, schools, workplaces, and laws to truly make menstruation dignified.
If you care about equality, voice, and menstrual justice – give this episode a listen.
Severe period pain is NOT normal!👉 Do your periods feel like unbearable pain, making it hard to even get out of bed?👉 Have you visited doctors only to be told, “It’s just normal period cramps”?👉 Have you been silently suffering, not knowing that 1 in 10 people have endometriosis?Endometriosis is more than just "bad period pain".It’s a chronic condition that can lead to infertility, severe fatigue, and even depression. Yet, in Nepal, it remains largely undiagnosed, dismissed, and ignored.Why is endometriosis an ‘invisible disease’ in Nepal?How can we diagnose it earlier and seek the right treatment?What happens when society keeps normalising menstrual pain?In this episode, we sit down with Dr Shreyasi Aryal (gynaecologist, KMC hospital) to break the silence on endometriosis.
Episode 81- Period in the Dark (Re-release)
Periods are tough for everyone, but imagine facing the additional challenges of navigating them without being able to see. In this episode of Period Kaa Kura, we dive into the unspoken struggles of blind individuals managing their menstrual cycles. The journey is fraught with challenges, ranging from the lack of accessible resources to cultural taboos.
Joining us today is Sarita Lamichhane, founder of Prayatna Nepal and a blind individual herself, sharing her personal experiences and insights. Let's uncover the gaps, discuss the stigma, and explore what needs to change to make menstruation more inclusive.
This episode is part of our special series exploring the intersection of periods and disabilities.
Tune in now to listen and learn.
In this episode, we take you to the event Mero Mahinawari Hariyo that we hosted on January 03, 2025, in Kathmandu. This unsponsored pilot event was brought to life by Eco Saathi Nepal, Period Kaa Kura, and Untold Period Stories. This event was to ignite a fresh conversation on sustainable menstrual hygiene. We created a welcoming space where people could come together to share real stories, learn about eco-friendly solutions, and even get hands-on with a live pad-making session.
You'll hear about our fun educational stalls on reusable menstrual products, admire creative menstrual art displays, and listen to inspiring personal stories and poetry on the menstrual experience. Tune in to soak in the energy and passion that made Mero Mahinawari Hariyo a game-changer for menstrual hygiene awareness!
In this inspiring episode of Period Kaa Kura, we sit down with a mother who has been caring for her 17-year-old daughter with cerebral palsy since birth. She shares her journey of managing her daughter’s menstrual health with love and dedication, breaking the silence around caregiving and menstruation for individuals with disabilities.
Listen to this emotional journey of Shova Bist, a carer to her 17-year-old daughter and treasurer at the Nepal Disabled Women Association.
Periods are tough for everyone, but imagine facing the additional challenges of navigating them without being able to see. In this episode of Period Kaa Kura, we dive into the unspoken struggles of blind individuals managing their menstrual cycles. From the lack of accessible resources to cultural taboos, the journey is anything but easy.
Joining us today is Sarita Lamichhane, founder of Prayatna Nepal and a blind individual herself, sharing her personal experiences and insights. Together, we uncover the gaps, discuss the stigma, and explore what needs to change to make menstruation more inclusive.
This episode is part of our special series exploring the intersection of periods and disabilities.
Tune in now to listen and learn.
In this episode, we have a candid conversation with Manushi Yami Bhattarai, a politician and educator, about the politics of periods. Manushi takes us on a trip down memory lane, sharing how her mother, Hishila Yami, sent her letters as part of her early education on menstruation.
Manushi shares her ongoing efforts to make menstrual health a priority in the political arena. She highlights why we need strong policies, more awareness, and to clear up misconceptions. So, if you’re curious about how periods and politics mix, tune in. Trust us, you don’t want to miss this one!
Manushi Yami Bhattarai is a lecturer, central committee member and secretary of Province 3 of Janata Samajbadi Party.
A while ago, we put out a call on social media, inviting menstruators to join us on our podcast and share their real, unfiltered experiences with PMS. The response was amazing, and in this episode, we bring you those heartfelt confessions.
PMS is often brushed off as just cravings, mood swings, and cramps, but it can be so much more. It can lead to severe depression and anxiety, affecting every aspect of life. We dive deep into these stories, sharing the raw reality of what PMS can really feel like.
Whether you experience PMS yourself or know someone who does, this episode is for you. It's all about understanding, empathy, and support. Don’t miss this powerful and eye-opening conversation!
Despite being a natural phase in a woman's life, menopause remains a taboo topic, particularly in Nepal. In this episode, we sit down with the Australian Ambassador to Nepal, Felicity Volk, as she courageously shares her personal journey through menopause. HE Volk compares the experiences between Nepal and Australia, emphasising the need for open conversations and understanding. Listen to this episode, as we explore why discussing menopause is crucial for improving the quality of life and well-being of women everywhere.
Don't miss this insightful and unfiltered conversation! #Menopause #PeriodKaaKura #PeriodPodcast
On this International #MenstrualHygieneDay, we bring you a special episode highlighting the critical issues of menstrual hygiene in Nepal. In the remote regions of Karnali and Far-West Nepal, many women and girls struggle to access basic menstrual products and sanitation.
Join us as we talk with Sushila Kumari Thapa Magar, the Gender and Social Inclusion Director at USAID Karnali Water Activity. She shares her personal experiences and insights into the challenges faced by women in these areas. Learn about the significant policy changes needed, the role of activists, and the inspiring community initiatives making a difference.
Tune in to hear powerful stories and expert insights on this important issue.
#MHDay2024 #MenstrualEquity #PeriodKaaKura #SustainablePeriods #AccessToDignity
May is International Menstrual Hygiene Month, and in this special episode, we take you to Matela Village in Kalikot, Nepal. Women who previously had no access to menstrual products are now making their own pads from available cloth at home.
These women, who used to be confined to their houses or forced to live in sheds (Chaugoth) during their periods, can now speak freely about menstruation. This transformation is a small but powerful example of the change we hope to see across all communities: dignity and access to menstrual hygiene for every woman.
In this episode of Period Kaa Kura, Miss Nepal World 2023, Srichchha Pradhan shares her experiences with period stigma, menstrual products, and the importance of sustainable menstruation practices. She also shares some tips on making your period smooth and easy, as she says, "Taking care of your health is taking care of nature.
When it comes to period, there are many misconceptions and misinformations in Nepal. Right from the first menstrual cycle to the end, called menopause, the topic always goes through shyness, fear, and shame. In this episode, let's hear why we should initiate open discussions on this topic, not just for the good health of menstruators but also for their overall well-being.
Lumbini Province made headlines recently by introducing menstrual leave policy. But what does this mean for Nepal? In this episode, we unpack the buzz around this decision and dive into what it signifies in the context of our country.
Plus, our co-host, Shristi, takes us behind the scenes of the 5th International Dignified Menstruation Celebration. Listen to what dignified menstruation activists are doing in their community.
Did you know that a lot of people who have periods—up to 7 in 10—might have something called Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)? But most don't even know it! It's not just about irregular periods; it can also lead to infertility and cause other health issues, making life a bit tough.
Let's hear from gynaecologist Dr. Smeena Pradhananga as she shares her expertise on PCOS—what causes it, signs to look out for, and how it's treated.
PCOS isn't just about numbers. It's a complex web of experiences, emotions, and challenges that extend far beyond irregular periods. It stands as the commonest cause of anovulation and a significant factor in infertility. But it doesn't stop there—PCOS is associated with a range of long-term health issues that impact both physical and emotional well-being, affecting the lives of those navigating its twists and turns.
