OUR STORY Conscious Connections Nepal was born from more than a decade of working alongside women and girls in Nepal's most remote communities. We saw the same pattern repeated after every flood, landslide, earthquake, or road closure: clean water disappeared, health services became inaccessible, menstrual supplies ran out, and women and girls bore the greatest burden. Yet menstrual health was almost never included in emergency preparedness or disaster response planning. We grew out of the menstrual health work pioneered by the Conscious Connections Foundation (CCF) and, in 2024, became an independent, Nepali-registered nonprofit able to receive funding directly and make our own decisions about the communities we serve. Today, Conscious Connections Nepal is grounded in the belief that the people closest to the challenges are also closest to the solutions. Our approach is different by design. Rather than delivering one-time aid, we invest in local women as menstrual health educators, first- responders, and community leaders who continue strengthening their villages long after a project ends. We provide education in local languages and integrate menstrual and reproductive health with climate adaptation, disaster preparedness, and community first-aid response so dignity, health, and care do not disappear when crises strike. We believe lasting change happens through trusted partnerships with local governments, schools, health workers, women's groups, and community leaders. Together, we strengthen local systems rather than creating dependence on outside assistance. Today, Conscious Connections Nepal works at the intersection of menstrual health, gender equality, climate resilience, and community leadership. We intentionally build programs that include those most often left behind, women and girls with disabilities, LGBTQI+ community members, and trans women seeking economic independence through leadership and livelihood opportunities. From Humla, Mustang to Sankhuwasabha, we work where help is hardest to reach, alongside communities, never around them. Every woman we train creates a ripple effect by sharing knowledge, challenging stigma, preparing communities for future emergencies, and helping ensure that the next generation of girls grows up with dignity, confidence, opportunity, and resilience. Mission To equip women and girls with the knowledge, skills, and resources to manage their health, respond to climate-related risks, and access opportunities, fostering self-reliance, leadership, and long-term resilience. Vision A Nepal where women and communities are healthy, resilient, and empowered to navigate both everyday challenges and climate crises with dignity and confidence.

GORKHA

Pema Dolkar Board Member Pema Dolkar is a semi-retired business woman who has run a garment co-op and an export house for the past 40 years. She started her business with a little shop in Kathmandu called the Little Tibet Shop where she worked on making clothing and sweaters. Her business expanded to include labels like Grateful Dead and other music bands.

HUMLA

TESTIMONIALS Tulasha, Kavre District Before this training, I had many misconceptions about menstruation and female anatomy. I learned important information about how the female reproductive system works, which has helped me better understand and support the women and girls in my community. Jebika, Mustang District One of the things I learned through this training was accurate information about female anatomy and reproductive health. This knowledge challenged many of the myths and misunderstandings I had grown up with. Ashika, Humla District Before attending the training, I lacked basic knowledge about female reproductive anatomy. Learning about the different parts and functions of the reproductive system helped me better understand menstruation and women’s health.

SUPPORT OUR WORK TODAY! Our online donation portal is coming soon. In the meantime, you can still support our work by making a direct contribution. Every donation helps us advance menstrual health, climate resilience, women's leadership, and inclusive community programs across Nepal. Email: info@consciousconnectionsnepal.com Phone: +977 971-6599612 Our online donation system is currently under construction. If you would like to support our work and be a part of creating positive change, please contact us:

Niraj Karki Board Member Niraj Karki is an outdoor enthusiast and mountain guide who is passionate about climbing and adventure. He is the Co-Founder and Manager of Ascend Climbing in Sanepa, where he helps create opportunities for people to learn and enjoy climbing. Alongside his work in the climbing community, Niraj enjoys running, exploring the outdoors, and learning about food and fermentation. He believes in building strong communities and encouraging people to challenge themselves through new experiences.

Nuwakot Conscious Connections Nepal (CCN) organized a two-day Menstrual Health and Hygiene Management (MHM) and First Aid Training in Nuchet, Nuwakot, in partnership with local community members and Alpha Triyog Mandali Church. The training was facilitated by Pema, a Certified Medical Technician, and Yogendra Tamang, with coordination support from Kesang Yudron and Pastor Saran Tamang. This was the first training of its kind in the village, providing women and girls with an opportunity to openly learn about menstruation, reproductive health, and basic first aid. In a community where access to health education is limited, the program created a safe space for participants to ask questions, share experiences, and learn practical skills that they could use in their everyday lives. The training mainly targeted women and girls from the villages of Nuchet, Bairamrang, and Dara Thok. Although the organizers had planned for around 30 participants, the community's interest was much greater than expected, and a total of 63 participants attended the two-day program. The main goal of the training was to improve understanding of menstrual health, hygiene, and reproductive health while also introducing participants to basic first aid skills that could be useful in emergencies. Another important objective was to equip participants with reusable cloth pad-making skills and encourage local women to continue sharing this knowledge within their own communities. Seven women from the three villages were later selected as community leaders to help continue awareness activities after the training ended The menstrual health sessions covered a wide range of topics, including puberty, the menstrual cycle, female reproductive anatomy, menstrual hygiene, common health concerns during menstruation, contraception, and the importance of maintaining good nutrition. Participants also discussed gender inequality, harmful social beliefs, and menstrual taboos that continue to affect women and girls across Nepal. Conversations around Chhaupadi, religious beliefs, women's rights, and proper disposal of menstrual products encouraged participants to think critically about long-held practices and understand menstruation as a natural part of life rather than something to be hidden or feared. The sessions were interactive, allowing participants to ask questions and openly discuss experiences that they had rarely shared before. Alongside the health education sessions, participants took part in a practical workshop on making reusable cloth pads. Each participant received a reusable menstrual kit containing cloth pads, underwear, soap, and other essential materials, while also learning how to sew and maintain reusable pads themselves. The hands-on approach helped participants gain confidence, and many who learned quickly began helping others complete their pads. By the end of the workshop, participants not only had a reusable menstrual kit but also the skills to make additional pads for themselves, their families, and other women in their villages. This practical knowledge can help reduce the cost of purchasing disposable sanitary pads while promoting more sustainable menstrual hygiene practices. The program also included a basic first aid training that responded directly to the needs of the local community. Participants learned how to provide immediate care for burns, nosebleeds, fainting, broken bones, sprains, and other common injuries. They also practiced making simple stretchers and slings using materials that are easily available at home. Since the nearest health facility is between thirty minutes and one hour away and many local residents are involved in basket weaving and outdoor work, participants felt that these practical first aid skills would be valuable in responding to accidents before medical help becomes available. The sessions were designed to be highly practical, with participants practicing the techniques together rather than simply listening to lectures. Throughout the training, participants shared positive feedback and expressed that they had gained a much better understanding of their bodies, menstrual hygiene, and first aid. Many women said it was the first time they had openly discussed menstruation without feeling embarrassed. Others appreciated learning how to make reusable cloth pads, explaining that it would help reduce household expenses while improving menstrual hygiene. Participants also expressed a strong interest in sharing what they had learned with their families and neighboring villages. By combining menstrual health education, reusable pad-making, and first aid skills, the program not only increased knowledge but also strengthened the confidence of women and girls to become health advocates within their own communities. View Gallery

Tsum Valley, Gorkha Conscious Connections Nepal (CCN), in partnership with Drokpo Nepal, implemented a Menstrual Health and Hygiene Management (MHM) and reusable pad-making program in the remote communities of Upper Tsum Valley, Gorkha District. Nestled high in the Himalayas, Tsum Valley is one of Nepal's most isolated regions, where difficult terrain and limited transportation make access to health services and menstrual products extremely challenging. Women and girls often face additional barriers due to cultural stigma surrounding menstruation, lack of information, and the high cost of sanitary products. The program was developed to improve menstrual health knowledge, promote dignity, and provide women with practical skills that would help them manage their periods safely and confidently. The program primarily targeted women, adolescent girls, and nuns living in Upper Tsum Valley. Its main objective was to improve awareness of menstrual health and hygiene, challenge harmful myths and taboos surrounding menstruation, and introduce reusable menstrual products that are both affordable and environmentally friendly. The project also aimed to create safe spaces where women could openly discuss menstrual health, something that had rarely happened before due to cultural beliefs and feelings of shame. By providing both knowledge and practical skills, the program encouraged participants to become more confident in managing their menstrual health and sharing that knowledge with others in their communities. Reaching the communities was a challenge in itself. The journey from Kathmandu required more than twelve hours by jeep, followed by four days of trekking through steep mountain trails, muddy roads, landslide-prone areas, and river crossings. Once the team arrived, they found that many villages had no community halls or suitable places to conduct workshops. Instead of letting these challenges stop the program, the team worked closely with local mothers' groups, the Kyimolung Foundation, and local government representatives to organize temporary learning spaces in monasteries, village courtyards, and even along riverbanks. These partnerships made it possible to bring menstrual health education to communities that rarely receive such opportunities. The training sessions combined health education with practical learning. Participants learned about the menstrual cycle, reproductive health, menstrual hygiene, family planning, and the different menstrual products available, including reusable cloth pads, disposable pads, menstrual cups, and tampons. Many participants were seeing some of these products for the very first time. The team also demonstrated simple yoga exercises to help relieve menstrual pain and encouraged open conversations about concerns that women had often kept to themselves for many years. As the sessions progressed, participants became more comfortable sharing their personal experiences, challenges, and questions, creating an environment of trust and mutual learning. One of the most valuable parts of the program was the reusable pad-making workshop. Participants learned how to make their own reusable cloth pads and received menstrual hygiene kits containing reusable pads, soap, and cotton underwear. During discussions, many women shared that they had previously relied on old scarves, handkerchiefs, or other pieces of cloth because sanitary pads were either unavailable or too expensive. Others spoke about long-held beliefs that menstruation was "dirty" or something that should remain hidden. These conversations helped the team better understand the challenges women face while also encouraging participants to question myths and adopt healthier menstrual practices. The program reached women and girls across 12 villages and 2 nunneries in Upper Tsum Valley. More than teaching menstrual health, it helped create a space where women and girls felt respected, heard, and supported. By combining education, practical skills, and open dialogue, the project encouraged participants to manage menstruation with dignity and confidence while reducing dependence on costly disposable products. The journey to Tsum Valley was physically demanding, but it showed that meaningful change is possible when communities are reached with compassion, knowledge, and practical support, no matter how remote they may be. View Gallery

Bara In October 2025, Conscious Connections Foundation and Giving Face organized a ten-day makeup training program for transgender women in Kalaiya Municipality, Bara District. The program was created in response to the challenges many transgender women face in accessing education, employment, and livelihood opportunities. While Nepal has made important progress in recognizing the rights of transgender people, many still experience discrimination, exclusion, and limited opportunities, especially outside major cities. In districts like Bara, where traditional social norms remain strong, transgender women often face barriers that make it difficult to earn a stable income and live with dignity. The training was designed to create opportunities for participants to develop practical skills that could support their economic independence and future livelihoods. The program primarily targeted transgender women from Bara District, many of whom had experienced exclusion from education, employment, and community life. Some participants had been forced to leave school early due to bullying or family rejection, while others faced discrimination when trying to find work. As a result, many transgender women are pushed into informal and unstable forms of employment, with few opportunities to build long-term financial security. The objective of the training was not only to teach makeup skills, but also to provide participants with confidence, recognition, and an opportunity to build a more sustainable source of income. The program recognized that livelihood support can play an important role in reducing vulnerability and creating pathways toward greater independence and well-being. The ten-day training was led by Neelam Poudel, a transgender makeup artist, who provided hands-on instruction using professional makeup products and techniques. Participants learned a range of practical skills related to makeup artistry and beauty services, allowing them to develop knowledge that could be used for self-employment or future work opportunities. Throughout the training, participants practiced techniques, received guidance from the trainer, and worked toward building confidence in their abilities. At the end of the program, participants received certificates recognizing their successful completion of the training. Rather than being a one-time workshop, the program aimed to provide skills that participants could continue using long after the training ended. Alongside the vocational training, the program also included a listening and documentation component. Structured questionnaires and interviews were conducted with members of the transgender community, including individuals living with HIV. Five in-depth interviews were recorded to better understand participants' experiences, challenges, and aspirations. These conversations highlighted the realities many transgender people face, including discrimination, lack of employment opportunities, limited access to health services, and the ongoing impact of stigma. The interviews were not only an opportunity for participants to share their stories, but also a way to ensure that future programs are informed by the needs and experiences of the community itself. The program directly trained and certified 40 transgender women from Bara District. To support participants after the training, makeup kits and remaining materials were distributed among participants and the local Blue Diamond Society chapter. This was done intentionally so that participants could continue practicing their skills, generate income, and support one another after the trainers had left. The program demonstrated that vocational training can be a powerful tool for inclusion, helping participants gain both practical skills and confidence while opening doors to new opportunities. Beyond skill-building, the program created a space where transgender women felt seen, respected, and valued. For many participants, this was one of the few opportunities they had received that was specifically designed for their community. The training showed that when transgender people are given access to resources, opportunities, and support, they can build meaningful livelihoods and contribute to their communities in powerful ways. It also highlighted the importance of continued investment in trans-focused programming, not as a one-time activity, but as an ongoing commitment to inclusion, dignity, and equal opportunity. View Gallery

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Nabin Chitrakar Board Member Nabin Chitrakar has 35+ years of experience in cargo and logistics management. He currently works as the Cargo Manager at Muktinath Cargo and has built a strong career in the transportation and freight sector. Outside of work, Nabin is actively involved in community and sports initiatives, including his leadership role with Arsenal Nepal. He brings valuable experience, practical knowledge, and a collaborative spirit to the organization.