Chencho Dema
Wangdue—Shacha Wangmo, a 29-year-old nun at the Wolakha Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery in Punakha, was familiar with sanitary pads but unaware of other menstrual products like tampons, menstrual cups, and various types of napkins. This changed on June 22 when JICA volunteers, in collaboration with the monastic community in Punakha and Wangdue, organised a one-day programme at the nunnery on June 22.
The programme saw 201 participants from Wolakha Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup and Tadzongang Wangrab Lobsel Sherubling Lhakhang in Wangdue.
The programme was divided into two sessions, one in the morning and other in the afternoon. The morning session engaged the monks of Tadzongang Wangrab Lobsel Sherubling Lhakhang.
The monks were divided into three groups, each focusing on different aspects of health and well-being. The groups were taught aerobic dance along with some games to emphasise the importance of mental well-being, particularly in a monastic setting where individuals often face unique psychological challenges.
Another group was introduced to the significance of hygiene, highlighting its critical role in preventing disease transmission in communal living environments like monasteries and nunneries.
The monks also learnt about the balanced diet, including guidance on healthy eating habits.
Norbu, a 16-year-old monk from Toedpisa, said that the programme was a unique experience for him. He found it fascinating and important.
“It is my first time attending such a programme and I am happy that I could attend. Otherwise, I would not know the importance of health and hygiene,” said Tandin Tshewang, 16-year-old from Rinchengang, Wangdue.
Tadzongang Wangrab Lobsel Sherubling Lhakhang has more than 96 monks.
Kuenzang Dorji Tangbi, programme officer with JICA said if the trial proved successful, a similar programme would be taken to dzongkhags, starting from Haa.
He said the objective of conducting the trial was to evaluate the effectiveness of a specific intervention or programme.
According to Kuenzang, the monks and nuns of Punakha and Wangdue were selected because they formed a distinctive and significant demographic group. “Their participation and feedback can offer valuable insights into the outcomes and impact of the trial within their communities. Their involvement is essential for understanding the particular requirements and reactions of religious practitioners in these regions.”
In the afternoon session, 105 nuns were also divided into three groups. Each group, in turn, received information on menstrual hygiene and sanitation, as well as guidance on physical activities and healthy diets. Each session lasted for more than 45 minutes.
JICA volunteers explained about the dos and don’ts during menstruation, emphasising hygiene practices and introducing different types of sanitary products that were new to most of the participants.
Shacha Wangmo said: “Now that we’ve learnt about aerobic dance, we plan to incorporate it into our daily routine. Despite having outdoor gym facilities, we face challenges with some equipment being too tall for us to use effectively.”
Prostration, she said, was the only exercise they performed otherwise.
Namgay Dema, 29, from Kabjisa, said with the additional knowledge about nutrients, the participants were more careful about maintaining fitness and what they eat.