Nepal – Supreme Court Issues Order on Menstrual Dignity & Health for All Women

We are pleased to inform you about a historic development in the area of women’s health and menstrual hygiene management. On 2082 Ashadh 4 (18 June 2025), the Supreme Court of Nepal issued a significant directive order (mandamus) in favor of ensuring menstrual dignity and health rights for all women.

This order was issued in response to a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Women Forum for Women in Nepal (WOFOWON), under the writ no. 078-WO-0659. The joint bench of Honorable Justices Mr. Manoj Kumar Sharma and Mr. Mahesh Sharma Paudel has directed the Government of Nepal to make sanitary pads freely available to all women and to arrange for tax exemption on menstrual hygiene products.

The writ petition had been filed four years ago in the name of Executive Director Ms. Gomawati Pun (Srijana), Program Officer Ms. Puja Chaudhary, and Legal Advisor Advocate Mr. Dal Bahadur Dhami. During the hearing, Advocate Dhami presented strong arguments concerning women’s health, dignified menstruation, and economic accessibility.

We believe this decision marks a milestone in ensuring women’s health, dignity, and equal access. We are sharing this information with the expectation that you will help disseminate this important news widely among the public through your platforms.

WUNRN

WOFOWON  – Women Forum For Women in Nepal