Gelephu, May 28 — Her Royal Highness Princess Eeuphelma Choden Wangchuck, Royal Patron of Red Dot Bhutan, has called on all dzongkhags and thromdes to ensure that every public toilet in the country is equipped with sanitary pad disposal bins.

According to a press release from UNICEF Bhutan, the directive was issued during the national observation of Menstrual Hygiene Day in Gelephu, where Her Royal Highness also launched sanitary pad bins in 562 schools and 32 nunneries across the country.

“The presence of pad bins empowers adolescent girls and women by providing a safe and respectful way to manage menstruation. It contributes to cleaner public spaces and supports proper waste management, aligning with national environmental goals,” the directive stated.

According to data from the Ministry of Education and Skills Development, only 63 percent of schools currently have disposal mechanisms for menstrual waste, while 41 percent have covered disposal bins, and 46 percent have changing rooms.

The government aims to make Bhutan a period-friendly society by the end of the 13th Plan in 2029. A period-friendly toilet, as per the National WASH Standards for Schools and Monastic Institutions, must include privacy, running water, and covered disposal bins.

More than 600 students and guests joined a “Walk for a Period-Friendly Bhutan” through Gelephu town, led by Her Royal Highness, symbolising collective steps toward an inclusive society where menstruation is managed with dignity.

Education and Skills Development Minister Yeezang De Thapa said menstrual hygiene must be integrated into development planning.

“Meeting the menstrual hygiene needs of girls and women is essential for inclusive development,” Lyonpo said. “We hope the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) will lead by example in setting high standards for menstrual hygiene management.”

The ministry, with support from UNICEF, is constructing water supply systems in 15 schools across 11 districts, benefiting 8,758 students, including 4,480 girls.

DMC Governor, Dasho Dr Lotay Tshering, assured that the Royal directive would be implemented. “Menstruation is a natural and healthy process. We will do our part to ensure all public toilets are equipped and call on users to dispose of pads responsibly,” he said.

UNICEF Bhutan’s Deputy Representative, Fawzia Hoodbhoy, reaffirmed continued support for menstrual health initiatives. “Improving access to menstrual hygiene must go hand in hand with dismantling harmful social norms and taboos,” she said.

Given Gelephu’s growing significance, Red Dot Bhutan chose the city to advocate menstrual hygiene inclusion in all development plans.

The private sector also extended its support. The Gelephu Business Community donated 150 sanitary bins, while companies including Bank of Bhutan, Bhutan National Bank, Bhutan Heli, Lhaki Steels, and several contractors contributed bins worth over Nu 200,000.