Kokila’s Journey for Leading the Change

Growing up in an uneducated family, 18-year-old Kokila had only received a basic education from Government School of Raskot Municipality, Kalikot. For years, she herself had internalized the negative thinking and behavior surrounding menstruation that was deeply embedded in her community’s traditions. However, a chance encounter with an interactive program: (Intergenerational dialogues between adolescent girls and adult members at family and community in breaking barriers around MHH) organized by RMWIP project in Raskot Municipality, with the support of Plan International, proved to be a turning point in her life.

Kokila, along with her many peers, participated in this program. The session provided comprehensive information on menstrual health and hygiene, topics rarely discussed in her community. Kokila was fully engaged, attentively absorbing every piece of information shared. The impact of the program was immediate—Kokila was inspired to join more of the project’s initiatives, eager to learn about menstruation and hygiene and the broader challenges and issues faced by women.

Reflecting on her experience, Kokila shared, “We have been practicing many harmful customs. We’ve heard of tragic moments while following these traditional customs. There have been countless instances of discrimination against women, where they are blamed for their biological process. Such behavior not only devalues women but also places their lives at risk, but now it’s time for us to rid ourselves of these destructive practices.”

Kokila noted that, while many organizations had organized public awareness programs in the past, the Raskot Menstrual Health and Hygiene (MHH) and Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Project was the first initiative she had encountered that focused specifically on menstrual health and hygiene. This focus made the project stand out and resonate with her on a personal level.

Inspired by the knowledge she acquired, Kokila became an active participant in the project’s programs. She took on leadership roles, facilitating meetings, leading discussions, and asking thought-provoking questions during sessions. She openly discussed menstruation, breaking the taboo surrounding the subject in her community.

Kokila’s motivation stemmed from personal pain. She had experienced the isolation of being force to live outside the home, forbidden from touching others and the neglect of proper hygiene practices when her mother was menstruating. These experiences, which had deeply bothered her, now fueled her desire to bring about change.

In an effort to challenge and dismantle these harmful practices, Kokila began informally educating her parents and those around her. She says, “I will continue this work and help build a civilized society by ending traditional, conservative practices and harmful cultural customs. I will involve other women in this mission as well.”

Kokila’s story highlights the profound impact that education and awareness can have in transforming harmful beliefs and behaviors, especially in areas where traditional customs still hold strong. Through her participation in the Raskot MHH and WASH Project, Kokila is not only changing her own life but also working to improve the lives of women and girls in her community. Her journey underscores the importance of targeted interventions and the power of young people in driving social change.