Dipisha Bhujel is a young enthusiast who has been contributing to women’s empowerment and menstrual health. Currently, Dipisha is involved in a project called “It’s My First Period” that promotes menstrual health among teenagers under JCYCN. “Cherubic” is an organization established by her and her friend to promote mental health.
Apart from that, she is also a youth campaigner at the Association of Youth Organizations Nepal to encourage more youth for good governance and democracy. Through her workings, she built a Child-Friendly Environment by educating children at orphanage homes about their rights, rescuing girls who were violated, and teaching menstrual health and hygiene.
Dipisha was invited to the 16th episode of Teenspire to share her ideas, initiation and her impactful work including her amazing experience of being part of Glocal’s 20under20 of 2018. Below here you can read her interesting conversation that will motivate fellow teenagers to dream big;
Who was the inspiration behind in making Dipisha the way she is today?
To be very honest, I don’t have any specific name to answer this question, but every woman I have come across in my life till date, I have been inspired by a way or another. I consider each of them as my role model since they have contributed to making me a robust individual as I am today.
“Menstruation is still considered as a taboo in Nepal, “how difficult is it to work in these all circumstances for Menstrual health and hygiene?
I would be lying if I would say it’s not difficult; it definitely is because the stereotypical mindset regarding menstruation is still present. Initially, when we go to villages for these programs, the people aren’t welcoming, neither are they interested to hear what we say. But, all these challenges make us more committed to the work we do.
Additionally, most people in the villages don’t know the phenomena about the menstrual process, which is the beginning of any taboos, lack of understanding, and knowledge. When they understand the wonders and the natural process, it gets easier to break the stereotypes.
Biodegradable pads and their usage is one of the most discussed topics these days. Can you tell us more about your Bio-degradable project?
The biodegradable project that I am currently working on a project from the menstrual project The project is developed by different international participants. Currently, there are only two organizations working on the production of biodegradable pads, i.e., GIZ and Radha Poudel foundation. But the irony is the raw material for both these organizations is imported from India. This proves that we are still dependent on our neighboring country for every little raw material.
Our motto for the project was to make ourselves dependent on the production of these pads for both the raw materials and the machine as well.
The raw material we are using is an agricultural waste of banana stem, plus we have also made a machine as well. The first prototype of the machine design is already.
Everyone is well aware of the concept of Gender Equality, but there is a mentality that an individual’s contribution can’t bring a change. What do you have to say about this?
A very well-known proverb states, “ Drops and Drops meet to form an ocean,” and it’s the same with this situation. Every more considerable change has an individual behind it, and that’s where the chain of transformation begins.
When it is about Gender equality, it starts from the household itself by fighting the deep rotted patriarchy by changing gender norms and gender roles.
Can you tell us about your experience with Glocal Teen Hero?
My entire experience with Glocal Teen Hero was very overwhelming. As a social worker, all my friends’ circles aren’t active in this field, and it sometimes feels like a loner. But, when I came to glocal teen hero, seeing so many similar faces like me and their work, I felt powerful. I could learn a lot from team spirit to stories, and I was empowered through this platform.
What do you aspire to achieve in the future?
My utmost goal for the future is to complete the Biodegradable Pad project, and we are right now establishing the factory in Nawalparasi. Additionally, an academic degree is also of the goal I have to achieve.
How do you manage your academics with all the involvement you make?
Pandemic at this point has made things more balanced for me since everything is remote work now. And other than the time of Pandemic, things are usually balanced for me, but during the exam, things are pretty hectic than on regular days.
If you are given a superpower to change society, what would it be and why?
If I had to look over the social aspect, I would want to end the gender inequalities and the discrimination against gender minorities. I would use it for the creation of a gender-friendly and eco-friendly community.
Any message you want to drop to the audience for the occasion of Women’s day?
On the occasion of Women’s day, everyone working for breaking the gender-stereotypical norms, I would like to wish you a very happy women’s day. Keep inspiring and contributing to the cause because we all are powerful.
The “Teenspire” Live Session was conducted by Glocal Pvt. Ltd and was live-streamed by the Glocal Teen Hero Facebook page. Mr. Ajay Pandey (IT Manager of Glocal Pvt. Ltd) was the host of the session.
