Empowering Girls & Women, Ending Period Poverty
“ढुक् ढुक् हैन‚ अब ढुक्क होऔं”,
The sustainable sanitary pad brand Aba Dhukka (“अब ढुक्क”) is proudly produced and sold by Nepali women. “Aba Dhukka” means “Now, comfort” or “Now, relief,” which reflects our dedication to menstrual health care that is both easy and respectful. Aba Dhukka provides girls and women with a safe, sustainable, and affordable menstrual hygiene solution, with support from WEAN Lalitpur and the SAARC Chamber Women Entrepreneurs Council Nepal (SCWEC Nepal).
We at Aba Dhukka are convinced that menstruation health is not a privilege but rather a fundamental right. Millions of Nepalese women and girls, however, continue to experience shame, lack access to safe menstruation products, and are plagued by false beliefs that keep them from fully engaging in daily life, employment, and education.
In order to ensure that every woman and girl can manage her periods with dignity, confidence, and independence, we are working to alter this via innovation, education, and equity.
Our Solution: A Holistic Approach
We tackle period poverty at its roots with a tech-integrated, sustainable model:
- Affordable & Eco-Friendly Sanitary Pads
Our pads are locally made from biodegradable materials, ensuring they are safe for women’s health and gentle on the environment. By offering affordable, sustainable products, we empower girls and women to manage their menstrual health with dignity without harming the planet.
- Dhukka Didi: AI-Powered Menstrual Health Education
Dhukka Didi, our innovative AI chatbot, provides accurate, stigma-free information about menstruation. Accessible through SMS, voice calls, and WhatsApp even in areas with limited connectivity Dhukka Didi breaks down myths and empowers women and girls with knowledge anytime, anywhere.
- Blockchain-Enabled Transparency and Accountability
We leverage blockchain technology to create a fully transparent supply chain. This ensures ethical sourcing, tracks every pad from production to distribution, and allows donors and partners to see the real impact of their support. Trust and accountability are at the core of our work.
Why We Exist
70% of girls in Nepal have significant obstacles related to menstrual health, which may be brought on by the high price of goods, social embarrassment, or a lack of knowledge.
In the absence of reasonably priced and safe sanitary pads, many women and girls are compelled to utilize unsanitary alternatives such as leaves, rags, or other materials. They run the danger of contracting illnesses and infections as a result. Sadly, 30% of girls quit school because they are unable to safely and respectably manage their periods. Menstruation-related taboos and silence that are deeply ingrained conceal these issues, perpetuating gender inequity and denying millions of people opportunity.
In order to enable every girl and woman to lead healthy, self-assured, and empowered lives, we work to dismantle these barriers by offering education, reasonably priced goods, and a forum for candid discussion.
Our Impact
At Aba Dhukka, our work goes beyond providing sanitary pads. We are creating lasting change by focusing on three powerful pillars:
- Health & Dignity: Safe, eco-friendly products combined with education mean fewer infections and more confidence for girls and women. When menstrual health is prioritized, lives improve.
Economic Empowerment: Our girl- and women-led micro-franchises create meaningful jobs and leadership opportunities, helping women gain financial independence and become community leaders.
Breaking Taboos: Through open conversations and innovative technology, we challenge harmful myths and silence around menstruation—making it easier for everyone to talk openly and support one another.
Join Us
Periods Should Never Hold Anyone Back
- No girl should miss school because of her period. No woman should feel ashamed or silenced. No community should be left in the dark about menstrual health.
- Whether you’re a donor, partner, or advocate, your support can help us make this vision a reality. Together, we can break the cycle of stigma and exclusion.
- Let’s turn “ढुक्क” — the shame that has held so many back — into a source of strength, pride, and empowerment.
Join us in building a future where every period is met with dignity, respect, and hope.
https://www.youtube.com/@abadhukka
