Dechen Dolkar

Amaya Chadha, a 16-year-old student from the United States, has taken on a significant role in championing menstrual hygiene by donating two truckloads of sanitary pads to Red Dot Bhutan.

Amaya and her family recently visited Bhutan since they have a deep connection with the country and began advocating for menstrual hygiene for young girls in schools.

During their four-day visit from July 28 to 31 this year, Amaya visited several schools in Thimphu, including Changangkha Middle Secondary School, Wangbama Central School, Yangchengatshel Higher Secondary School, and Draktsho Vocational Training Centre.

Her campaign ‘Together For A Period Friendly Bhutan’, aims to transform attitudes and practices surrounding menstrual health in Bhutanese schools, promoting a lasting social progress.

During her school visits, Amaya engaged with students, discussing the importance of maintaining proper menstrual health and hygiene. The enthusiasm and curiosity from her Bhutanese counterparts were truly inspiring. She addressed misconceptions and guided managing period-related discomfort.

Inspired by Amaya, many young girls from the schools she visited have taken up the role of peer educators, promoting menstrual health, breaking taboos, and empowering their peers.

Young girls from Yangchengatshel Higher Secondary School mentioned that they were inspired by Amaya and pledged to raise awareness among their peers.

To support this cause, Amaya donated 55,000 sanitary pads to these schools, aiming to create positive change and empower young girls.

During her visit, Amaya also met Tshering Lham, a student at the Draktsho Vocational Training Center in Thimphu, who faces societal stigma due to her disabilities and menstruation.

Tshering shared her experiences, highlighting the double stigma she encounters as a girl with disabilities in the community.

Amaya said that there is a need for continued awareness and advocacy to destigmatise disabilities and menstruation.

Amaya also spoke about the crucial role sports play in the development and empowerment of young girls at every school she visited. She also advocated for equal access to sports, encouraging girls to participate without barriers.

Reflecting on her deep love and appreciation for Bhutan since childhood, Amaya and her family plan to continue their work and mobilise funds through Red Dot Bhutan, an initiative under the Ministry of Education and Skills Development, and its partners.

Additionally, Amaya plans to produce biodegradable pads using corn husks in the USA. “I will return to Bhutan to teach how to make these biodegradable sanitary pads and distribute them to schools,” said Amaya.

An official from Red Dot Bhutan mentioned that there are leftover sanitary pads donated by Amaya, which will be distributed to rural schools in the country.