𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭
!
This powerful guide highlights the intersection of menstruation, dignity, and queer rights — giving voice to those often left behind in mainstream conversations.
Speech
1. Namaste,
Salaam Alaikum, Jambo, Habari, and a very good afternoon from the Secretariat
Office of the Global South Coalition for Dignified Menstruation, based in
Kathmandu, Nepal.
2. The
Global South Coalition for Dignified Menstruation (GSCDM) is a global network
working with over 90 organizations around the world to shift the narrative
around menstruation—from hygiene to dignity, and from a focus on five days of
bleeding to a life-cycle approach.
3. It
was initiated by the Radha Paudel Foundation, a Nepali NGO that uses the
concept of dignified menstruation to reclaim inherent dignity, equity, and
inalienable rights in diverse settings.
4. As
the author, I am thrilled to launch this book, Claiming Dignified
Menstruation: An Essential Guide for Lesbian, Bisexual, and Queer Women.
5. On
behalf of GSCDM and RPF, I would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Liz
Tremlett, Head of Grantmaking at AmplifyChange, for trusting us and connecting
us with FARUG.
6. I
also congratulate the FARUG team for their unwavering commitment to integrating
the principles of dignified menstruation into their work and into the broader
discourse on the rights of Lesbian, Bisexual, and Queer women.
7. Let’s
give them a big round of applause.
8. Now,
allow me to share a few words about the book.
9. This
guide is designed to empower LBQ women—not only in Uganda but across the globe.
In fact, it may be the first book of its kind worldwide.
10. However,
its relevance extends to anyone involved in movements related to menstruation,
human rights, child rights, gender equality, SRHR, and peace building. Without
addressing the complex, deeply rooted discrimination associated with
menstruation, menopause, and beyond, the goal of “leaving no one behind”
remains out of reach.
11. We live in
a world where menstruators are everywhere—and so is menstrual discrimination.
Globally, there are over 5,000 euphemisms used to refer to menstruation.
12. The book is
written in a simple question-and-answer format to enhance readability and
accessibility.
13. It contains
34 thought-provoking questions that explain key concepts of dignified
menstruation, outline how to create dignified menstruation-friendly
environments—at home, in schools, communities, and workplaces—and review
menstrual products through the lens of dignified menstruation.
14. Importantly,
it highlights the specific challenges faced by LBQ women in the Global South
and calls for strong policy advocacy.
15. Still, this
guidebook alone cannot cover every aspect of dignified menstruation across
diverse contexts.
16. Therefore,
I humbly encourage all of you to explore the reference materials included or
visit our website: www.dignifiedmenstruation.org.
17. I also take
this opportunity to call on Amplify Change and other donors to invest more
resources into mainstreaming dignified menstruation through research,
programming, and advocacy particularly in global south.
18. When
menstruators are able to practice dignified menstruation at the individual and
family level, they are empowered to make timely and informed choices about
their sexual and reproductive health and rights.
19. Today, we
need more donors like Amplify Change—those who listen to the stories of
survivors and uplift leadership from the Global South.
20. I am proud
to be a grantee of Amplify Change, both personally and as a representative of
my organization.
21. I would
also like to remind everyone to mark the 7th International Dignified
Menstruation Day on December 8, and to join us for a three-day
international learning conference from December 8–10 in Kathmandu, Nepal.
22. Once again,
congratulations to FARUG and their entire team. I look forward to continued
collaboration.
23. Thank you
so much for this amazing opportunity.
24. I conclude
by inviting everyone to read this book—and to remember: dignified menstruation
is everyone’s business because it is a fundamental human rights issue.
25. Namaste!
