Parikshya Adhikari: Finding Her Voice and Helping Others Find Theirs

International Women’s Day is a time to reflect on how change takes root and grows. For Parikshya Adhikari, a Class 12 student in Kathmandu, that change began in a classroom.

Before attending the Ambassadors of Women’s Health training led by Days for Girls Nepal, Parikshya carried many of the same misconceptions about menstruation that surrounded her community. In her village, girls on their periods are often restricted from participating in community life and family activities. They are not allowed to enter certain spaces or touch certain items. These practices leave girls feeling excluded and ashamed of a completely natural process.

The training changed everything.

For the first time, Parikshya learned that menstruation is normal and healthy. She understood what was happening in her body and how hormones affect physical and emotional well-being. She learned about the importance of nutrition, especially for girls who experience heavy menstrual periods and fatigue. She also discovered that washable pads can be a safe and environmentally responsible option when properly cared for, challenging long-held myths in her community.

But perhaps most importantly, the training gave her confidence.

“I would feel embarrassed or scared to even say the word ‘period’ out loud,” she shared. “Now, I feel strong enough to speak up.”

Today, Parikshya talks openly with her friends, family, and community about menstrual health. She encourages others to question harmful taboos and to support girls rather than isolate them. She recognizes how stigma affects not only physical health but also mental well-being, and she believes menstruation should never make someone feel small.

International Women’s Day is a time to recognize the strength, resilience, and leadership of women and girls around the world. It is also a reminder of the importance of investing in the next generation. Through education and empowerment, students like Parikshya are not just learning about menstrual health. They are becoming advocates and helping shape the future of this movement.

Her journey is a powerful reminder that when girls are equipped with knowledge, they do more than change their own lives. They help build communities where dignity, confidence, and opportunity are available to all.