Creating a Safe Space for Expression
The workshop brought together young Nepali women to explore their personal and collective experiences with menstruation. Through movement, storytelling, and performance, we delved into the myths and realities of menstrual health, fostering open dialogue in a supportive environment. This approach allowed for a deep exploration of the relationship with our bodies and menstrual health, empowering the participants to challenge societal stigmas.
On the first day of the workshop, we focused on interactive games among the participants. One of the activities involved creating our own period bracelets, equipped with the needed pearls and tools from the Nepalese NGO Sochai – Social Innovators and Changemakers.
From that moment on, everyone wore their bracelet as a sign of solidarity and pride. There were countless moments where we would spontaneously raise our fists together, kick with our feet in the air, and scream #KickTheStigma! as loud as we could.
On the second day, participants practiced image theatre, depicting different emotions and pains they experienced during their periods. We employed powerful elements like statue theatre, body mapping, and poetry, and sometimes, we would just sit in a circle, sharing. One after another. Until every story was heard. That was always the most important thing to me.
With our minds full of inspiration from the girls’ personal sharing and our hearts moved deeply, we wove together all the little pieces into an honest, unadorned piece of political poetry, into a theatre script that we believed would reach the audience in a way that words alone never could.
From Workshop to Performance
Our one-hour performance at Mandala Theatre did not only earn several rounds of applause, but also an impressive final speech and personal honoring of all participants by Nepalese film star and Goodwill Ambassador for Menstrual Health, Dayahang Rai.
The play not only showcased the participants' journeys but also served as a catalyst for community-wide conversations.
After the play, people stayed to discuss for hours. Men approached me and shared how the play had completely changed their perspective on menstruation, as they had never discussed it with women before.
They told me, “I feel so bad. Until now, I had never asked my sisters or cousins how they feel. I want to change this now. I must be a better companion and really change my behavior.” And that was, to be honest, much more than we had wished to reach.
Voices from Participants
According to Pooja Bista, one of the workshop participants, the experience made her realize how much she had been keeping her world confined within herself. It helped her understand the importance of expressing herself more, speaking up, and allowing her voice to take up space.
In an interview for the Nepali journal Online Khabar, she said: “It made me reflect on the kind of impact I can create through forum theatre performances. This experience reinforced my belief that menstrual health advocacy must go beyond traditional awareness campaigns and evolve through new mediums.”
Continuing the Conversation
I have been working with Theatre of the Oppressed for quite some time, and it has always proven to be a powerful tool for empowerment, enabling participants to reclaim their narratives and advocate for their rights. And so also this time: By embodying their stories on stage, these young women challenged societal norms and inspired others to question and change their perceptions of menstruation.
The success of "Breaking Menstrual Stigma" underscores the importance of creative approaches in addressing deeply rooted societal issues. By providing platforms for expression and dialogue, we can continue to challenge taboos and promote a more inclusive and understanding society. As we move forward, I would be honored to support and expand such initiatives, ensuring that conversations around menstrual health remain open and progressive.
