"Such discrimination hampers the health of society and women's empowerment"
KATHMANDU, MARCH 3
According to experts, many taboos surrounding menstruation are harmful to human rights.
Speaking at a policy dialogue on gender-based violence and menstrual health and hygiene management organised by the Beyond Beijing Committee today, experts mentioned that there are several cultural taboos surrounding menstruation that are still practiced, such as restricting girls and women from entering the temple or the kitchen.
Kabita Aryal, Section Chief of GBV and Geriatric Care Section, The Nursing and Social Security Division (NSSD), emphasised that in Nepali society, menstruation-related discrimination and taboos are extremely common, as is gender-based violence.
According to the Nepal Demographic Health Survey 2022, 23 per cent of women face sexual violence, 8 per cent face physical violence, 6 per cent face violence while pregnant, and 27 per cent face by intimate partner.
"Moreover, two women die every day giving birth in Nepal," she added. "It disproportionately affects differently-abled people and the LGBTIQA+ community, who experience more difficulties during menstruation."
When it comes to menstruation and harmful social practices of Chhaupadi, gender-based violence worsens the situation significantly. Exclusion from temples, mosques and religious events, mobility restrictions, prohibitions on touching family members, water, plants, kitchen and food restrictions, and absence at the workplace or school are some harmful practices.
"Keeping girls/women from attending school harms fundamental and human rights ensured by the constitution," she said. "Such discrimination eventually affects society as a whole, as it hampers the health of society and women's empowerment."
On the other hand, the constitution of Nepal prohibits discrimination completely. However, it persists in society extensively.
The Criminal Penal Code has criminalised Chhaupadi, imposing punishment and penalties. The Criminal Code Act, 2017 criminalised Chhaupadi, imposing a three-month jail sentence and/or a fine of NRs 3,000 for anyone forcing a woman to follow the custom.
It is signatory to several international treaties, including Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), the Beijing Declaration, and the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD), but it remains a significant challenge in the country.
Dr Swaraj Rajbhandari, a senior obstetrician and gynaecologist, stated that there have been various menstrual myths from ancient times to the present.
According to her, there are several medical barriers. Women often experience fear and anxiety and believe that it should not be discussed.
She shared that she recently helped an educated personality on why it should not be considered taboo. "It leads us to believe that debunking the myth will take a significant amount of effort. These myths exist, even among doctors," sh said.
"But the truth is that menstruation is a natural physiological process that is not contagious. It has no effect on the places a woman visits or the objects she touches. Menstruation is safe to manage using menstrual products such as sanitary napkins, tampons, or menstrual cups, and it can be a pleasant experience."
She further said, "It will take ages to eliminate extreme social taboos such as Chhaupadi. Non-touchable practice is practiced in more than 80 per cent of the population in Nepal in an educated family."
According to her, the campaign against taboos should begin at home. "I have allowed it in my family. I have asked my daughters to take baths regularly and do daily chores," she added.
She emphasised that implementation is the chief problem. " There should be education and advocacy at each level and it should start from our home. It must be widely understood that menstruation is the beginning of womanhood. We should eliminate the taboos surrounding it."
Murari Kharel, Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission, stated that Nepal's Constitution protects women's rights, such as equality, health, and so on. "So, the government has no choice but to recognise them," he explained. "In case it is denied, courts would ensure justice. Its implementation should be prioritised."
