In a significant development aimed at advocating for Dignified Menstruation, Ms. Sangita Rokaya, a trailblazing mountaineer hailing from the Bhajang district, has been appointed as the Goodwill Ambassador for the Global South Coalition for Dignified Menstruation. This appointment comes on the heels of her remarkable accomplishment in successfully summiting Mt. Everest on May 17, 2023, with a resolute mission to eliminate menstrual discrimination.
Sangita Rokaya’s journey began against the backdrop of the towering Mt. Saipal, where she spent her childhood years. Drawn to the allure and majesty of the mountains, she nurtured a dream to conquer the world’s 14 peaks that soar above 8000 meters. However, her path was fraught with challenges, particularly due to the pervasive gender bias and discrimination she faced as a menstruating woman.
As she relentlessly pursued her mountaineering dreams, Rokaya encountered a series of obstacles, encountered doubt from others, and experienced frequent setbacks. These challenges stemmed from prevailing societal beliefs that linked menstruation to notions of impurity and inadequacy. The discriminatory attitudes she faced were often exemplified by a form of menstrual discrimination, which forcibly segregates women during their menstruation. However, instead of deterring her, these obstacles served to fortify her resolve to defy these conventions and amplify her efforts to bring about positive transformation.
Sangita Rokaya confronted the paradox of being considered impure during menstruation while aspiring to conquer the very peaks deemed sacred. With her successful ascent of Mt. Everest, she transformed her achievement into a symbol of resilience and empowerment, capturing the attention and admiration of both her compatriots and the international community.
Sangita Rokaya’s tireless efforts led to her being designated as the Goodwill Ambassador for the Global South Coalition for Dignified Menstruation. Through this role, she aims to promote the notion that menstrual blood is pure and clean, challenging entrenched stigmas and promoting greater understanding and acceptance. Her ultimate aspiration is to petition the United Nations to recognize a Dignified Menstruation Day on 8th December, drawing attention to the vital issue of Menstruation and prompting global conversations on the matter.
As she embarks on her mission to climb the 14 highest peaks above 8000 meters, Sangita Rokaya extends an invitation to all to unite and support her advocacy for Dignified Menstruation. Her journey symbolizes a resounding call for change, as she scales the literal heights of the world while ascending the metaphorical peaks of gender equality and social justice.
The Global South Coalition for Dignified Menstruation is honored to welcome Sangita Rokaya as their Goodwill Ambassador, and her indomitable spirit promises to catalyze a transformative movement that challenges conventions, uplifts marginalized voices, and paves the way for a more equitable world.