The use of TikTok among those with internet access in Nepal is considered to have grown from 3% to 55% in the past 2 years. In a poll by Radio Nepal, TikTok is considered one of the most trusted news source by a majority of Nepalis. In Karnali, internet access and TikTok use is growing fast. The audience of TikTok’s is nearly completely Nepali and under the age of 35.
The importance of using TikTok as a channel for reaching Karnali youth with behaviour change messaging, on e.g., hygiene practices, cannot be overlooked. To maximize impact, SUSWA works with young established TikTok content creators from Karnali – and we are proud to share the first video produced in collaboration with Ibsal Sanjyal from Kalikot for Menstrual Hygiene Day #MHDay2023
Based on her own experiences as well as those of friends, Ibsal saw a need for videos explaining how to use of sanitary pads in order to ensure Dignified Menstruation for all.
Summary of the videos:
In the first video, a menstruating girl meets a social worker who informs her about re-usable sanitary pads /cloths and menstrual hygiene. The girl then realizes she should share this information her friends, so that they all can have dignified menstruation and period pride.
In the second video, the girl contemplates if menstruating really is a sin and lists all the things she cannot do. The social worker provides her with a disposable sanitary pad and informs her of Menstrual Hygiene Day 2023.
“Is being born as a girl a sin? Is this plight unique to our community or prevalent among others as well? The way they treat us during menstruation is deplorable. They deprive us of rest, forbid us from touching water sources or ponds, and deny us adequate sleep and food.”
This Menstrual Hygiene Day, please enjoy the video that reached 200 000+ in the first days- and do keep your eyes peeled on the newly established SUSWA TikTok channel for more local content from Karnali on SUSWA & WASH.
Find SUSWA Social Media Channels by searching @suswa_nepal or SUSWANEPAL
Facebook (mainly in Nepali)
TikTok (mainly in Nepali)
Instagram (mainly in English)
Twitter (English)
LinkedIn (English)
