Introduction: My name is Laxmi B.k. (16yrs). I live in Bhagwati VDC, Wardno 3, Melikhet. I am reading in class eight in Shree Saraswati Secondary School, Shelichama. I have four members in my Family.My father is day laborer in India, mother is a housewife. There are two younger brothers in my family. I am from a poor family background, So my younger brother is also working as a day labourer in India.

Previous Situation: My menstruation cycle began from 14 yrs, while studying in class six. That time I was very nervous when my first menstruation occurred, I couldn’t share it with my mother and friends as well. It was really difficulty to spend menstruation period. During the period I didn’t go to school regularly, my family didn’t let me go and roam outside of home because of menstruation and they did not allow me to see my brothers and other male members of my family. I was not allowed to touch anything else.

After being my lower secondary study, I have been receiving support for my schooling. Beside this, I received awareness with reference to growth and developmental process of human life especially on girl’s growth and development process. As well as I received orientation on Menstrual Hygiene. I knew from that orientation that Menstruation is also a natural process of women life; I gained   different types of capacity building orientation through Good Neighbours Nepal, Darchula Community Development Project. Before being menstruation period, Now, I am very happy since I am able to encourage and motivate my family and friends to change their behavior during menstruation. For example -" I still remember staying in the shed during my menstruation period. It is called Chhaupadi and during this time, women are not allowed to go to school and carry out usual family household tasks and touch anything like members of family, meal water etc."

GNN Support –"One day, I got opportunity to participate in menstruation hygiene orientation program in my school organized by Darchula Community Development Project. This orientation skilled me about menstruation cycle, menstrual hygiene, and negative aspect of Chhaupadi.

Result – "Finally I knew that menstruation is a natural and biological process and it is not contaminated fixation. After participating in this orientation, I committed to change myself and change the family and friends. I started advocating against the taboos related to menstruation from my family and gradually in the community. Nowadays, my family and community and my friend are aware about it. My mother sends me always school during the period, she is convinced as well as I regularly come to school therefore my study has also become better than previous days.

Now I am very happy that I am able to change my family and friend with the support of   Good Neighbours Nepal's instigation. Thank You GNN for making me a change agent."