Since January 2023, EcoHimal has been able to implement a comprehensive Gender Friendly Himalayan School Programme Nepal in several parts of the country.

In the remote areas many schools do not even have the basic requirements like water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities. Over 3,500 schools do not have access to water sources, and more than half of all schools do not have toilets for girls with running water. The provision of WASH facilities is particularly important in the current circumstances where good hygiene is a critical factor in preventing the spread of the virus and endemic disease. There is a direct correlation between menstrual health, WASH facilities and student absenteeism. Poor sanitation and lack of gender sensitivity has been identified as one of the major causes for girls’ school dropouts.

There are several Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health (ASRH) problems especially related with the adolescent girls i.e., lack of effective menstrual hygiene practices, gender sensitive sanitation facilities, menstrual hygiene management education as well as pain relief, social stigma of menstruation, early marriage, early pregnancy, unsafe abortion, sexual abuse etc. Due to the unsecure and unsafe school environment, irregularity, absenteeism, dropouts in school attendance of adolescent girls are very common. Around a quarter of adolescent girls are missing school due to menstruation. Menstrual hygiene management process with hygiene and dignity is critical for the health and education of girls, yet it is often overlooked in rural areas of Nepal. Menstrual taboos are very common in the society and Nepali women and girls have suffered and sacrificed greatly on health and dignity, frequently resulting in deaths during practices like Chhaupadi, the menstrual exile.

The aim of the three-year project is to make a significant contribution to improving the health and education situation of children in rural areas, particularly poor and marginalised girls. This includes gender-equitable washing facilities in all target schools, the creation of a girl-friendly learning environment and quality education in the schools, as well as improving the knowledge and skills of teachers, mothers and children in the areas of nutrition, health, sanitation and hygiene.

Project regions are communities in the districts of Solokhumbu, Khotang, Achham and Kalikot.

The project is supported by HelpAlliance, RTL-Spendenmarathon and Mastercard.