BAJURA, MARCH 7
At a time when government bodies are struggling to end the century-old Chhuapadi system, shamans are actively involved in ending this evil practice in Badimalika Municipality, Bajura.
The shamans in the municipality have been participating in the campaign against the social evil saying that the custom is bad and has to end. The campaign against Chhaupadi has gained momentum in the municipality after the active involvement of shamans.
Female teachers at Jaya Prakash Basic Level School used to remain absent during their menstruation cycle saying that god would be angry if they did not abstain from visiting temples and public places.
The school also does not allow female teachers to come to school during menstruation.
In an effort to end this practice, the municipality had held discussions with stakeholders to spread awareness against the chhaupadi system in the locality, earlier.
Shamans Ram Aidy and Krishna Aidy, priests Bahadur Rawal, Surendra Bahadur Rawal, Dal Bahadur Rawal, Hirendra BK and Gol Lohare were also called for the discussion and they had committed to allowing female teachers to work in the school during their mensuration.
Priest Ganga Rawal said they would help end all the superstitions related to menstruation.
Acting chief at Badimalika Municipality's Women and Children Department Bindu Badal said that commitment from priests and shamans to end the social devil was a big positive step for bringing about changes in people's mindset.
The municipality had held the discussion among the elderly, intellectuals, and locals after news was published in different media about the plight of girl students and female teachers in attending classes due to chhaupadi custom.
Wards 3, 4, 5, 6 and 9 of the municipality have already been declared Chhau shed free wards. According to the municipality, the remaining wards of the local level will also be declare themselves chhau shed free soon.
Women were compelled to stay separately for five days in chhau huts during menstruation.
A version of this article appears in the print on March 8, 2022, of The Himalayan Times.
