Watch: What Is Chhaupadi? A Harsh Reality for Nepalese Women

In the remote regions of Nepal, particularly the far and mid-western areas, the centuries-old tradition of Chhaupadi continues to impose severe restrictions on menstruating women. Despite being outlawed by the Supreme Court of Nepal in 2005, this harmful practice remains prevalent in rural areas, driven by entrenched cultural and religious beliefs.

What Is Chhaupadi?

Chhaupadi is a tradition of menstrual exile where menstruating women and girls are deemed impure and banished to makeshift shelters, often cattle sheds or isolated huts, during their cycles.

• Women are prohibited from entering homes, kitchens, and temples.

• They cannot touch other people, cattle, plants, or consume dairy products.

• For first-time menstruators, isolation lasts 14 days; for others, it spans five days per cycle.

This isolation reflects a deeply ingrained stigma, relegating women to unsafe and unhygienic conditions with restricted access to basic amenities such as clean water.

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Living Conditions: Unhygienic and Unsafe

The Chhau sheds or livestock shelters used for exile are often rudimentary and expose women to multiple risks including poor ventilation, lack of toilets, and exposure to extreme weather increase the likelihood of illnesses such as respiratory infections, diarrhoea, and pneumonia. Women also face threats from wild animals, poisonous snake bites, and even physical abuse due to their vulnerability in these isolated settings. Loneliness, fear, and humiliation are common psychological repercussions of this practice.

A study in Nepal's Achham district found that over 70% of adolescent girls practised Chhaupadi, with only 30% of their shelters having toilet facilities. Many reported restrictions on consuming dairy products and difficulties in sleeping.

The Role of Social Pressure

Despite legal prohibitions and awareness campaigns, societal and familial pressure compels many women to adhere to Chhaupadi. Rituals like the Rishi Panchami festival perpetuate beliefs in menstrual impurity, with women fasting and praying for purification. Non-compliance often leads to social ostracism, further entrenching the practice.

Governmental and Organizational Efforts

Efforts to eradicate Chhaupadi include:

• Legal Actions: The Nepalese government criminalized Chhaupadi in 2017, with penalties for those enforcing it.

• Awareness Campaigns: Educational initiatives aim to challenge taboos and promote better menstrual hygiene.

• Infrastructure Improvements: In some areas, separate rooms within homes have replaced cattle sheds, offering slightly improved conditions.

However, enforcement of these measures remains inconsistent, particularly in remote regions where traditional beliefs dominate.

Beyond Menstruation: Implications for Maternal Health

Chhaupadi extends beyond menstruation to childbirth, where new mothers and infants are confined to unhygienic sheds for 10–14 days. This practice has dire consequences, including maternal and neonatal deaths due to complications such as excessive bleeding and septic shock. High rates of reproductive tract infections and maternal morbidity are reported in regions practicing Chhaupadi.

The Path Forward: Eliminating Chhaupadi

While legal measures and campaigns are crucial, addressing the root causes of Chhaupadi requires a multifaceted approach. Local leaders and influencers must advocate for change, emphasising the health risks and human rights violations associated with the practice. Comprehensive menstrual health education can dispel myths and challenge societal norms. Providing safe and hygienic alternatives, such as menstrual rooms with proper facilities, can reduce immediate risks.

Chhaupadi remains a glaring violation of women's rights in Nepal, perpetuated by deep-seated cultural and societal norms. While progress has been made, the road to eliminating this harmful practice requires sustained efforts in education, community engagement, and enforcement of laws. Women and girls in Nepal deserve safe, dignified spaces to navigate their natural biological processes without fear or stigma.