PESHAWAR: A Pakistani human rights activist, Qamar Naseem, has been selected as a Steering Committee member of the Global South Coalition for Dignified Menstruation (GSCDM), a pioneering global network working to conceptualize and advance innovative, holistic approach of Dignified Menstruation. According to a press release issued here on Friday, GSCDM is a Global South–led coalition, with its secretariat based in Nepal, formed in response to the lived experiences of menstruators across the Global South. The coalition works to dismantle silence, stigma, taboos, shame, restrictions, abuse, and deprivation of resources and services associated with menstruation. APP
With 95 members worldwide, GSCDM aims to build a regenerative society where both menstruators and non-menstruators from all walks of life can live with full dignity.
Recognizing that the role of men cannot be ignored in advancing dignified menstruation, Qamar Naseem’s inclusion on the Global Steering Committee reflects a growing global commitment to engage men and boys as allies in challenging harmful social norms and redefining masculinity in supportive, rights-based ways.
Qamar Naseem said, “Dignified menstruation is not only a woman’s issue, it is a human rights issue,”.
As men, especially in patriarchal societies, we must challenge silence, stigma, and harmful notions of masculinity that sustain discrimination, he viewed.
True masculinity lies in empathy, responsibility, and standing alongside menstruators to ensure dignity, access, and respect. I am committed to positively contributing to this landscape in Pakistan by breaking taboos, engaging men and boys, and advancing policies and social norms that uphold dignity for all.
Like many other countries in Pakistan, menstruation remains surrounded by deep-rooted taboos, misinformation and restrictions that limit access to education, health, mobility, and dignity, Qamar added.
“Through this global platform, I aim to amplify Global South perspectives, promote inclusive dialogue and support national efforts that challenge barriers and normalize dignified menstruation as a shared societal responsibility,” he added.
It merits a mention here that Qamar Naseem is a Program Manager at Blue Veins, Malala Fund Education Champion, member of the Civil Society Advisory Board of the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR), Ambassador Right to Services Commission, Govt of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and the National Focal Person of Girls Not Brides in Pakistan, among other portfolios.
He has also previously served as a co-chair of the End Violence Against Women and Girls Alliance and Chairperson of the General Body of the Young Women Alliance Pakistan under Amplifying Change.
