Introduction
On the 9th and 10th of October, a transformative journey began in the heart of Karnali Province, Nepal. Workshop on Dignified Menstruation Management with Deputy Mayors and Vice-Chairpersons from 27 Municipalities, a monumental event, brought together a variety of stakeholders along with a distinguished array of guests, including senior Gender Equality Advisor Krista Orama from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Finland, Head of Cooperation Sara Alanen, and Coordinator,[RT1] Petra Enbuske, Embassy of Finland, NGOs, INGOs, civil societies, media, national celebrities, bilateral agencies, CBOs, women and children groups. In the closing session of the workshop, the presence of Hon. Khadg Bahadur Pokharel, Minister of Social Development, and Hon. Urmila Bishwakarma, Minister of Water Resources and Energy Development, of Karnali Province, showed the commitment of the provincial government to the campaign with the local governments for dignified menstruation management. The workshop was organized by the Karnali Alliance for Dignified Menstruation Management (KADMM).
KADMM is a Karnali provincial-level network for dignified menstruation management as the Karnali chapter of MHM PA. KADMM would strengthen coordination between the provincial government, local governments, and other actors working for DMM, which would allow for Karnali-specific knowledge sharing and an approach to sustainably promoting DMM within one of the provinces in Nepal where this is needed the most.
Navigating Menstruation Management in Karnali Province
Karnali Province, located in the remote regions of Western Nepal, grapples with several challenges related to menstruation management and enduring taboos associated with this natural process.
Menstruation, a natural and recurring aspect of every woman’s life, is still a subject fraught with challenges in many parts of the world. In Karnali Province, located in the remote western region of Nepal, the journey of menstruation management presents a unique set of obstacles and opportunities. In this blog post, we delve into the current landscape of menstruation management in Karnali Province, exploring the struggles and steps forward
As discussed in the two-day workshop, we took a closer look at the current scenario regarding menstruation management in Karnali Province. During a discussion with the Deputy Mayors, and Vice Chairs we came to know that these deep-rooted cultural traditions also known as Chhaupadi, Chhui, etc. persist in parts of Karnali. In this two-day workshop, the participants discussed the implications and risks faced by menstruating women, how to make Karnali a dignified menstruation-managed province, and what steps we as an individual or as an institution can take.
Menstruation Management Challenges in Karnali Province: Inadequate Sanitary Facilities, Limited Access to Menstrual Products, Cultural Stigma
Menstruation management in Karnali Province is marked by various difficulties, primarily due to the lack of resources, education, and infrastructure. Inadequate sanitary facilities, limited access to menstrual products, and cultural stigma are significant challenges. For instance, many areas in Karnali Province lack proper sanitation facilities, including toilets, clean water, and safe disposal options for menstrual hygiene products. This forces women and girls to resort to unhygienic practices, such as using old rags or dirty clothes. The cultural stigma surrounding menstruation often leads to women being considered impure and, in some cases, segregated from their families during their periods.
In the Humla district of Karnali Province, many girls miss school during their periods because they do not have access to sanitary pads and menstrual WASH facilities in the schools. This leads to educational gaps and contributes to a cycle of poverty.
Prevalent Menstruation Taboos in Karnali Province: Chhaupadi, Segregation, Health Risks
Menstruation taboos, including the notorious harmful practice, persist in various parts of Karnali Province. Such discriminatory and harmful practices involve isolating menstruating women and girls from their homes and forcing them to sleep in huts or cattle sheds, which exposes them to extreme weather conditions, dangers like snakebites, and other health risks. Women are often treated as impure and isolated during menstruation, leading to stigma and discrimination. Legal measures and community initiatives have led to a reduction in the cases of malpractices of menstruation management in recent years, but challenges remain.
Alai Pura Hamal Jaisi, Vice Chairperson from Palata Rural Municipality, in Kalikot, shared a story about her personal experiences with so-called Chaupadi or Chhui practices. She reflected,
“When I was young, menstruation was considered a sin. I, too, was a victim of menstrual taboos, and I slept in a Chhaugoth. Thinking back to those days when I slept in cattle sheds with buffaloes, cow urine, and waste, and enduring those unpleasant smells still gives me goosebumps. My only companions during those nights were cows and buffaloes; they were my only friends.”
Legal Progress and Initiatives: Legal Prohibitions, Community-Based Initiatives, Government Programs
Efforts to combat menstruation taboos and improve menstruation management are underway in Karnali Province. Nepal’s Supreme Court directed the Government in 2005 to ban harmful norms of menstruation management so called Chhaupadi, reinforced by promulgating the Chhaupadi Custom Eradication Directive 2007. The Government of Nepal issued the Criminal Code Act 2017, considering discrimination during menstruation and postpartum as a crime. Local NGOs and organizations are actively engaged in community-based initiatives to raise awareness, challenge taboos, and improve menstruation management practices. Government programs, in collaboration with international organizations, aim to provide sanitary products and education in rural areas.
The Palata Palika municipality in Kalikot has seen a significant reduction in Chhaupadi-related cases, largely due to the concerted efforts of the local government, community leaders, and NGOs who have worked together to raise awareness and provide alternatives for menstruating women.
While challenges and taboos surrounding menstruation management in Karnali Province remain, there is progress being made. Legal measures, community initiatives, and education are gradually transforming the lives of women and girls. However, continued efforts and advocacy are crucial to ensuring that menstruation in Karnali Province is managed with dignity, free from stigma, and in a manner that safeguards the health and well-being of all women and girls.
Breaking the Chains of Menstrual Taboos: Menstrual Taboos, its Harmful Effects, and a Story of Change
Menstrual taboos are deeply rooted in traditional practices in parts of Nepal, particularly in western regions. This involves segregating menstruating women and girls from their households due to cultural and religious beliefs, leading to exposure to extreme weather, health risks, and stigmatization. Women and girls who practice discriminative norms often lack proper sanitary facilities, putting their health at risk. At the DMM workshop, stories emerged that shed light on the deep-seated issues surrounding menstruation taboos, discrimination, and unsanitary practices in some parts of Karnali Province.
Alai Pura went on to highlight the positive changes that have occurred since the Maoist insurgencies. She explained, “After the Maoist insurgencies, a lot has changed. Harmful practices of menstruation management were strictly abolished, and this insurgency has brought about significant changes in my Palika. I now witness a reduction in discrimination, which is a positive development. Almost every household in my village has abandoned the harmful practices of menstruation management. There are very few cases left in my village, and as a member of the Palata rural municipality, I am committed to putting an end to the remaining traces of such practices. I went through those difficult times, and I am determined to ensure that the girls and women in my village don’t have to suffer the same way.”
Proposing Solutions for Dignified Menstruation: A 10-Step Approach
Throughout the workshop, participants engaged in dynamic discussions and group activities, leading to the creation of a “Manifesto.” A Surkhet Declaration for Dignified Menstruation Management. This manifesto serves as a roadmap for achieving dignified menstruation in Karnali Province and beyond. We achieved very good remarks from the ministers themselves. Here are ten steps towards change:
Education and Awareness: Implement comprehensive education programs to dispel myths surrounding menstruation.
Community Engagement: Engage local leaders, religious figures, and community elders to promote dialogue and understanding.
Women’s Empowerment: Empower women and girls to challenge harmful practices and take leadership roles in their communities.
Safe Facilities: Improve access to safe and hygienic menstrual hygiene facilities.
Legal Measures: Enforce existing laws that ban menstruation taboos.
Community-Based Initiatives: Support and promote initiatives that challenge and change menstruation taboos.
Media and Arts: Utilize media, arts, and storytelling to raise awareness.
Collaboration: Coordinate efforts with governmental and non-governmental organizations and international agencies.
Monitoring and Evaluation: Track the progress of interventions and adapt strategies.
Long-term Change: Recognize that changing deeply ingrained cultural norms takes time and sustained effort.
Towards a Brighter, More Dignified Future
The creation of the “Manifesto” at the workshop is a significant step towards achieving dignified menstruation in Karnali Province. The workshop’s success was made possible by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Finland, the European Union, the Government of Nepal, and all participants, partners, and supporters. Together, they are paving the way for positive change and working towards a brighter, more dignified future for Karnali Province and beyond.
