KATHMANDU, July 6: Not long ago, boys at Mahalaxmi Secondary School in Lubhu, Lalitpur, would shy away from even mentioning menstruation. Today, many of them speak about it openly, call it a natural biological process and even say they would not hesitate to buy sanitary pads for their mothers if needed.
Teachers and students credit the transformation to the school's We Men Club, a gender-awareness initiative that is reshaping attitudes toward menstruation, gender equality and shared household responsibilities.
Faizan Mansuri, an eighth-grade student, said the club has also changed the way he views responsibilities at home.
"I used to think household chores were only for daughters. Now I believe sons and daughters should share the work equally," he said.
Another student, Sumit BK, said he had come to realize that teasing girls about menstruation was wrong and now encourages his friends to stop doing so.
Perhaps the new generation can be free from menstrual taboos
Student Rehan Lama said he no longer feels embarrassed about buying sanitary pads for his mother if she needs them. Prince Kumar Shah said the club had helped boys overcome the stigma and embarrassment surrounding menstruation.
According to students Krinsa Rawal and Indira Tamang, boys who participate in the club have become noticeably more respectful and supportive toward their female classmates.
The We Men Club, currently operating in three schools in Lalitpur, aims to promote gender equality, respectful behavior and social responsibility among students. School administrators, teachers and students say the initiative is already changing attitudes not only in classrooms but also at home and in the wider community.
Through practical activities, students learn about gender equality, respectful relationships, emotional expression, menstruation, cyber safety, the sharing of household responsibilities, diverse gender and sexual identities, and violence prevention.
Neera Shrestha, principal of Shree Gamvir Samudra Setu Secondary School, said the program initially seemed unusual but has since produced visible positive changes.
She said students who joined the club have become more engaged in their studies, more disciplined and more respectful toward their peers.
Junish Thami, an eighth-grade student, said the club had boosted his self-confidence, while ninth-grader Lovraj Pandey said it had changed the way he viewed gender roles.
Student Shikha Tamang said she had witnessed the transformation firsthand.
"Compared to before, boys are much more supportive now. They treat everyone equally. The habit of teasing girls about menstruation has disappeared. They also share what they learn in the club with other classmates," she said.
Hari Prasad Khanal, principal of Tri-Padma Vidyashram Secondary School, said the club has significantly improved students' enthusiasm for learning and boosted their confidence.
According to him, students are learning through practical activities rather than relying solely on textbooks, and the positive effects are becoming evident in their daily lives.
Ram Bahadur Adhikari, a seventh-grade student, said the club had greatly increased his confidence.
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