STEP Nepal’s internship program empowers young professionals to address critical issues in the carpet industry. Recent efforts by interns Snigda Shrestha and Krisha Prajapati focused on advancing menstrual health and hygiene among female weavers. Their research highlights both progress and ongoing challenges, informing STEP’s mission to enhance working conditions and promote fair trade practices in Nepal.
Empowering Interns to Tackle Critical Industry Challenges
STEP Nepal is committed to improving working conditions and promoting fair practices in the carpet industry. As part of this commitment, STEP runs a dynamic internship program that provides valuable opportunities for young professionals to gain hands-on experience in the field. Each year, STEP hosts 2–4 interns, with durations ranging from 1–2 months to up to a year. Currently, interns from St. Xavier’s College, as part of their Bachelor’s in Social Work degree, contribute two days a week for two months. This program has become increasingly popular, offering students exposure to fair trade practices, research, and data analysis.
In recent years, interns have played a crucial role in expanding STEP’s Weavers Empowerment programs. This year, the monthly average of participating weavers increased significantly from approximately 240 to 440 as of July 2024. The annual total for 2023 was 2,185 weavers, underscoring continued growth and impact. Reflecting STEP’s commitment to addressing critical issues, two recent interns, Snigda Shrestha and Krisha Prajapati, conducted a study on menstrual health and hygiene among female weavers, shedding light on an often overlooked but vital aspect of women workers’ well-being.
Advancing Menstrual Health Awareness Among Female Weavers
Menstrual health is a crucial aspect of women’s physical and reproductive well-being. While it has traditionally been considered a taboo in many societies, including Nepal, recent research by STEP interns revealed a significant shift: only 2% of female weavers now view menstrual health as a taboo topic. However, the study also highlighted that there is still a need for improved knowledge on menstrual health and hygiene. Female weavers, who are often marginalized and face socio-economic challenges, continue to encounter obstacles such as limited access to menstrual products, inadequate sanitation facilities, and lingering stigma. These issues can affect their physical health, mental well-being, and productivity.
The research led by Shrestha and Prajapati provides a comprehensive understanding of these challenges by assessing menstrual health needs, identifying barriers to access, and exploring current practices among female weavers. This includes examining how menstruation affects their physical work, such as reducing activity levels or adjusting work pace due to discomfort. The study also highlights how daily routines and cultural practices impact women, including avoidance of certain activities and spaces at home due to menstrual taboos. Additionally, it addresses care practices, such as the use of sanitary products, disposal methods, and access to clean water and private changing areas. By filling these knowledge gaps, the study was able to inform targeted interventions and policies designed to enhance the well-being of workers and advance STEP’s broader goals in the carpet industry.
Interns’ Journey and Discoveries
Snigda Shrestha, a 22-year-old Social Work student, joined STEP as an intern in February 2023. Over the past year, she has been deeply involved in researching and developing materials for STEP’s Empowerment Programs. Shrestha’s fieldwork has provided her with a profound understanding of the carpet industry’s complexities and the critical need for fair trade practices. Reflecting on her experience, Shrestha shared: “During my internship, I learned about the intricate ecosystem of the carpet industry and the pressing need for fair trade. The empowerment programs I facilitated, especially those focused on menstrual health, offered invaluable insights into the challenges faced by female weavers.”
“During my internship, I learned about the intricate ecosystem of the carpet industry and the pressing need for fair trade. The empowerment programs I facilitated, especially those focused on menstrual health, offered invaluable insights into the challenges faced by female weavers.”
Snigda Shrestha, Intern, Label STEP
Krisha Prajapati, a 21-year-old Social Work student, began her internship at STEP in January 2024. Prajapati’s role has involved conducting surveys and empowerment programs centered on menstrual health and hygiene. Her hands-on approach with grassroots beneficiaries has been instrumental in understanding and addressing the weaver’s needs. My internship at STEP has been eye-opening,” noted Prajapati. “I’ve gained skills and knowledge about Nepal’s carpet industry and Fair Trade practices. Direct engagement with the weavers has been a unique aspect of this internship, allowing me to witness their challenges firsthand.”
“My internship at STEP has been eye-opening. I’ve gained skills and knowledge about Nepal’s carpet industry and Fair Trade practices. Direct engagement with the weavers has been a unique aspect of this internship, allowing me to witness their challenges firsthand.”
Krisha Prajapati, Intern, Label STEP
Research Findings and STEP’s Response
The recent study on menstrual health and hygiene in Nepal’s carpet factories revealed both positive developments and areas needing improvement. The workforce is notably young, with 63.5% of respondents aged between 16–35 years. Among them, 46% demonstrated basic knowledge of menstrual hygiene practices, and 33% still prefer using cloths over sanitary pads due to the high cost. Weavers spend an average of 100–200 NRs. on pads each month, which many find unaffordable. 63% of workers reported that menstruation did not significantly impact their productivity, while 24% said it affects 1–2 hours of work per month. Additionally, 52% of workers reported improper disposal practices, an issue exacerbated by a lack of facilities such as dustbins and limited knowledge about proper disposal methods.
STEP’s Response
STEP has long been committed to improving health, hygiene, and working conditions in Nepal’s carpet industry. Through its ongoing Empowerment Programs, STEP ensures access to proper sanitation facilities, clean water, safe work environments, and comprehensive reproductive health services, including regular health check-ups and counseling on family planning. STEP also engages directly with artisans to address health challenges, linking them with healthcare providers and offering education on sexual and reproductive health.
Looking Ahead
STEP’s employees play a crucial role in addressing the needs of workers within the carpet industry, constantly engaging with communities to understand their challenges and advocate for change. Building on the findings of the recent Menstrual Health and Hygiene in Carpet Factories Report, STEP plans to implement several new initiatives to further enhance the well-being of the weavers:
- Expanded Health Education and Services: STEP will enhance its educational programs on sexual and reproductive health, while also increasing the availability of reproductive health services. This will include more comprehensive education on safe practices, regular check-ups, and counseling on family planning.
- Resource Allocation: Advocating for increased resources from municipalities to improve community health centers, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) programs, as well as childcare services.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Launching targeted campaigns to educate communities about the risks associated with early marriage and parenthood, while promoting the benefits of family planning.
These future actions, alongside STEP’s ongoing programs, reinforce its commitment to fostering fair trade practices and improving working conditions for all involved in Nepal’s carpet industry.
To explore the full findings and STEP’s recommendations, download the complete Menstrual Health and Hygiene Report.
