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Women in the entertainment and hospitality sector are still not recognized as part of the worker, and their identity, value, and the dignity of their work have not been established. As a result, they are not even able to receive the minimum wage of NPR 17,300 set by the Nepal government. Women are forced to use old fabric scraps, napkins, tissues, or whatever materials they find in the workplace during menstruation. This leads to an increased risk of serious health issues, such as reproductive organ infections and uterine cancer.
Therefore, Women’s Forum for Women in Nepal launched a campaign titled “Safe Menstruation: Our Shared Responsibility” during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. This campaign’s aim was to create awareness and advocate for an environment that ensures access to reproductive health for women workers in the entertainment and hospitality sector and to establish a safe working environment for them, especially during mid night. The campaign was initiated in Kathmandu, Butwal, and Chitwan.
The local authorities also responded sensitively to this campaign started by the organization. On March 25, 2022, a joint event was organized by Tokha Municipality Ward No. 09 and Women’s Forum for Women in Nepal at the ward office hall, involving both Dohori and Dancebar Employers and workers. Sanitary pads, basic medicines, masks, and sanitizers were provided to as Dohori Saanjh and dance bars within Tokha Municipality-09. Additionally, sanitary boxes were distributed to the employers of every Dohori and dance bar in Butwal and Chitwan.
