It takes education and courage to destroy a menstrual hut. And Durga’s mum had both.

“My mother used to practise menstrual isolation long ago but, ever since she learnt that there is nothing to fear about menstruation, and how to practise menstrual hygiene, she decided not to use the hut anymore,” says Durga who has not had to stay in a menstrual hut even once in her life. “She destroyed it, and now we stay in the house in a separate room during our period.

Her mother remembers what it was like: being scared of drunk men finding her and sleepless night because of strange noises from animals in the forest nearby since the hut did not have walls.

Durga says it is fantastic to be a child activist*. Because of the program she goes to school regularly and shares what she knows with her friends so they too can benefit. In fact, when asked how many girls in her circle still practised menstrual isolation, she could think of no one.

The program has had a positive effect on the men and boys in the family too. Durga’s brothers now help her and her mother with chores – and her elder brother especially helps Durga with homework.

“The effort of the school and partner staff in ensuring families understand these evils and correct them has been tremendous,” adds Tammy Moses, Asian Aid’s Program Manager. “Teachers are promoting these changes and then the parents at home are making sure the changes are effective. And this has had a wonderful impact on the school community as a whole.”

*A child activist is selected to be a part of community child clubs, who,  with their peers build their skills in decision-making and peer leadership while advocating for issues they want to address in their community.