Period Kaa Kura- Nepali Podcast

In this episode of Period Kaa Kura, our co-host Shristi Kafle takes us to the picturesque landscapes of Mustang, uncovering the hidden narratives of menstruation amidst mountainous challenges. Living in the mountains is tough, but for those who menstruate, it's an added struggle. Shristi connects with girls in Mustang, listening to their own hurdles they face concerning menstrual hygiene. From...

During period, one feels various kinds of emotions, like irritability, anger, sadness, crying, and oversensitivity, among others. Some feel nervous and anxious too. In this episode, we discuss emotional and behavioural signs and symptoms. Let's hear from educator and co-founder of My Emotions Matter, Dr. Bhawana Shrestha, on how to navigate these emotions and enhance your well-being.

What happens when you climb above 8,000 metres while menstruating? Is it comfortable, manageable, or even possible? We asked this question to mountaineer Purnima Shrestha, who recently conquered the 8,000-metre-high Manaslu mountain while on her period. Listen to this podcast to hear her inspiring story of overcoming the stigma associated with altitude and successfully climbing mountains without s...

This Rishi Panchami, how about redefining traditions and empowering ourselves by embracing the strength of our menstruation rather than washing away 'sins''? Rishi Panchami is a Hindu festival celebrated in Nepal to honor and seek forgiveness from the Sapta Rishis (Seven Sages), marked by rituals and reflection on purity and righteousness. Rishi Panchami can be seen as discriminatory a...

The recent death of a 16-year-old girl in the Baitadi district of Nepal during menstruation is a disturbing example of Chhaupadi risk. This practice of isolating menstruating individuals has endangered the lives of countless girls and women in western Nepal. Despite the government's criminalization of this practice and the dismantling of the 'chhau goths' or huts the question remains:...

Imagine going through your period without using pads, cups, or tampons. It might sound unconventional, but it's all about personal choice. Some see it as a revolutionary act, while others view it as a movement to break period taboos. Listen to this episode as we explore the concept of free bleeding, discussing its history, how it's done, pros and cons, and getting ready for it. Let's b...

It's time to expand our understanding of menstruation beyond women. This groundbreaking episode explores menstruation beyond gender. Listen to this episode with the remarkable Shuby Bhattarai, an inspiring LGBTQI rights activist, poet, and artist, who identifies themself as trans-masculine. In a society where discussing menstruation outside of cisgender women remains a challenge, we try to put...

#MHDay2023  Tune in to this episode as we delve into the critical conversations on menstrual rights activism, its profound impact, and the urgent need for inclusivity in the movement. In this episode, we bring you stories of remarkable activists who are paving the way for change. First, we meet Pooja Bista, co-founder of Untold Period Stories, an inspiring advocate for menstrual rights. Next, we h...

Going through irregular periods or no periods at all? Getting facial and body hair growth? Acne on the face and headaches? This might be a sign of polycystic ovary syndrome. The polycystic ovary syndrome is caused by an androgen imbalance. Ovarian cysts, irregular menstrual cycles, and facial and body hair are common symptoms. Women with PCOS produce extremely high levels of male hormones. This ho...

Painful periods. Heavy periods. Irregular periods. Missed periods. Spotting. PMS. These are the most common period problems that we face and observe around us. In this episode, we try to get answers to these most asked questions. Listen to this episode with Senior obstetrician and gynecologist and Fertility Specialist Dr Swasti Sharma.

The younger generation of Nepali women have positive attitudes towards the menstrual cycle. But how about our mothers? What are their understanding, values, beliefs, and opinions about the period? In this episode, we tend to find out about changing perspectives that exist between members of varying generations. Presenting you a heart-warming and candid conversation between our co-host Priyanka and...

In Nepal, menstruation is considered purely women’s business. According to widespread sociocultural stereotypes, women are not even permitted to touch male family members while they are menstruating. Several other taboos exist. There are many other taboos. Is menstruation only a woman’s business? Do men know about period pain? There are many such questions. In this episode, we are trying to find o...

More than one in four adolescent girls miss school due to menstruation. Harmful traditional practices, limited access to period products and unavailability of clean water and bathroom facilities are the key reasons for absenteeism. We talked to students from Shree Tapeswor Secondary School in Deupur, Thadakol, and Kavrepalanchok to find out how they manage their periods and fight against the taboo...

There are 25,400 prisoners in the country's prisons in Nepal, of whom 1,361 are women. Prisoners and detainees are currently given Rs 60 per day to cover their daily expenses. Menstruators in the prison are left with limited access to menstruation supplies.  In this episode, we speak with lawyer and co-founder Jesselina Rana from Pad2Go Nepal and researcher Alina Pandey, working for the #Peri...

In Nepal, menopause has been an almost invisible issue, regarded as a medical or personal matter for women and their families only. Due to this, many women lack knowledge about it and suffer alone. Since the last few episodes, we have tried to discuss various aspects of menopause. This is the continuing episode where we have a conversation with medical professional Mira Shah to understand more.

We bleed each month, and because of it, our society stigmatizes menstruators as impure! We are imposed with so many restrictions in our daily life as a human. Why is it crucial to create a space and talk about menstruation? Let's take a look back to the alarming period concerns we discussed in 2022 as we continue to speak on dignified menstruation.

Menopause is the time that marks the end of menstrual cycles. Our mothers, sisters and aunts go through this period and often face a lot of physical, mental and emotional stresses. However, they don't tend to share about it out of shyness or fear. As a result, many women face severe health problems, Thus, in this episode, we tried to initiate discussion with women who have gone or going through me...

Painful periods. Heavy periods. Irregular periods. Missed periods. Spotting. PMS. These are the most common period problems that we face and observe around us. In this episode, we try to get answers to these most asked questions. Listen to this episode with Senior obstetrician and gynecologist and Fertility Specialist Dr Swasti Sharma.

Period Kaa Kura is turning 2 today!!  A passion project of two sisters to build a platform for all menstruating people and beyond, breaking period taboos and spreading awareness about menstrual health.  We continue to speak for menstrual health rights.

Do you suffer irritation, rashes and leakage from Sanitary pads? or worry about where and how to dispose them? Menstrual Cup might be better solution for a worry-free and safe period. Listen to this episode about if you are planning to switch period products to menstrual cup. We have discussed everything you need to know before using menstrual cup.  In conversation with Dr Manu Karki, fo...

Introducing Samir Pariyar, a young advocate for dignified menstruation. "Menstruation is not a sin but a gift." This is how he voiced his own sister's first menstruation by celebrating the day in his community. Many criticized him for violating cultural norms and even questioned his own gender identification because they said that boys are not supposed to discuss menstruation. But it did not...

Traditional healing practice or shamanism is popular in Nepal, mostly in rural areas. The healers known as Dhami-Jhankri blend their knowledge with culture and tradition and guide people.  Leaving the period myths and taboos behind, now Dhamis of Sudur Paschim Province are on the path to aware people about menstruation as a completely natural process. What are their commitments? In this episo...

Menstruation is often misled as 'impurity' in Nepal, imposing on girls and women restrictions on activities like eating, sleeping, traveling, and living a regular life. All these behavioral stereotypes, far from being untrue, contribute to gender-based taboos and discrimination. In this episode, we have talked about the myths we were told and to live by and the lives we have led. Share with u...

Menstruation is always referred to as womanhood or female reproductive health . While "menstruation" is a silenced issue in our society, managing one's menstrual cycle is extremely challenging for trans men, intersex, genderqueer, or non-binary people. In this episode of Period Kaa Kura, we have a special story about a trans man who bleeds. Lakshmi Ghalan is the founder president of Mitini Nepal a...

In Nepal, there have been significant efforts over recent years to improve the situation for girls in schools, such as the “Free Sanitary Pad Initiative” announced by the government in 2019, or also the revision of the national school curriculum to include topics of Comprehensive Sexual and Reproductive Health (CSRH) and menstruation from grade 4 to 12. In today's episode we have asked school stud...