Bhutan to have Period-Friendly Schools in Five Years

In a significant step towards improving menstrual health and hygiene, the Ministry of Education and Skills Development has committed to ensuring that all schools in the country will be period-friendly within the next five years. These facilities will be inclusive and equipped with a regular water supply, proper disposal bins, privacy and basic menstrual products to ensure that girls and women can manage menstruation safely and with dignity.

This commitment was highlighted by the Hon’ble Minister during the celebration of Menstrual Hygiene Day at Norbugang Central School in Samtse yesterday. Lyonpo shared Bhutan’s significant strides in menstrual hygiene management through the Red Dot Bhutan initiative supported by various stakeholders. Today, 63% of our schools have disposal mechanisms for menstrual hygiene waste, 41% have covered disposal bins and 46% have changing rooms for menstrual hygiene management.

In a video message, His Excellency the Prime Minister emphasized the critical need to raise awareness and eliminate the taboos associated with menstruation. “On Menstrual Hygiene Day, I want to highlight the importance of raising awareness and breaking the taboos surrounding menstruation. For this, education, advocacy and open conversations are crucial especially among us, men and boys,” he stated.

Andrea James, UNICEF Bhutan Representative applauded Bhutan’s progress in menstrual hygiene management recognizing it as a crucial step towards eradicating the stigma associated with menstruation for children and young people.

During the event, the National Standards for Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) for schools and monastic institutions was launched. These standards aim to ensure that all WASH facilities are period-friendly guaranteeing access to clean water, proper sanitation and sound hygiene practices for everyone regardless of their location or institution.

Additionally, sanitary napkins were distributed to various schools and nunneries in Samtse and 699 school health coordinators across the country received certificates of recognition for their instrumental roles in promoting menstrual health and hygiene by educating communities and ensuring access to menstrual products. An art competition was held on May 27 to inspire creativity and advocacy on menstrual health and hygiene.

The event saw participation from representatives of the Ministry of Health, Dratshang Lhentshog, The Bhutan Nuns Foundation, RENEW, SNV, Bhutan Toilet Org, UNICEF Bhutan and Samtse Dzongkhag Administration along with guests, teachers and students.

The theme for this year’s celebration was “Together for a Period-friendly Bhutan.” Schools across the country also celebrated the day emphasizing the importance of creating an inclusive environment where all women and girls can manage their menstruation with dignity contributing to their health, education and overall well-being.

Menstrual Hygiene Day observed globally on May 28, has been celebrated in Bhutan since 2015. Red Dot Bhutan, the initiative launched under the Royal Patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Eeuphelma Choden Wangchuck is a platform to raise awareness on menstrual hygiene management particularly in schools where many young girls had previously missed classes due to inadequate facilities and support.

Meanwhile, out of the 51 countries with trend data, Bhutan is among the 24 countries that is on track to reach universal coverage for basic sanitation by 2030 as per the new global report Progress on drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene in schools 2000-2023: special focus on menstrual health released by UNICEF and WHO.