Shifting menstrual stigma in rural Nepal

Small but significant steps are gradually stripping away age-old taboos associated with menarche in rural areas of Nepal and improving menstrual health and hygiene (MHH) and gender equality for women and girls (SNV Nepal)

Small but significant steps are gradually stripping away age-old taboos associated with menarche in rural areas of Nepal and improving menstrual health and hygiene (MHH) and gender equality for women and girls.

In hamlets throughout Thantikandh Rural Municipality in Dailekh, it was not uncommon during menstruation for women to have to spend seven days in a chhaugoth -– a menstruation hut or isolation shed – located around 100 feet from the home and often without a roof or door and windows. During the practice of chhaupadi, which momentarily separates menstruating girls and women from the rest of the family, they were also not allowed to use toilets.

Although outlawed since 2005 and criminalised in 2017, chhaupadi still persists in many rural areas of Nepal, where menstrual isolation sheds are notoriously tiny and unkempt spaces with poor ventilation that subject women to further physical stress, such as headaches and body pains. But with women spearheading social transformations, these discriminatory and harmful practices are making way for more inclusive and safe approaches to MHH in homes and communities across Dailekh.

In 2021, after a feasibility study by Water for Women partner, SNV, found the community at threat of high-water scarcity, Thantikandh Rural Municipality decided to upgrade the gravity-fed Agra Khola water supply scheme that provided 248 people with piped drinking water. The study was undertaken as part of SNV’s Water for Women project, supported by Australia.

Upgradation was in line with the local government’s ‘one house - one tap’ policy, introduced in August 2016, and a community-led organisation was formed to oversee the activities. Seizing the opportunity to promote women’s participation in decision-making and leadership roles, SNV encouraged women within the community to get involved. Although initially reluctant, Charitra Shahi responded to the call and has been chairing the organisation for more than a year. She has been at the forefront of introducing important changes that are progressively lifting women’s status in the community.

Ms Shanta Kumari Shahi partners with SNV Nepal through their Water for Women project to to facilitate a session on menstrual health and hygiene for Chhiuri Sain Krishi Aama Samuha members, Thantikandh, Dailekh Nepal. (SNV Nepal / Ms. Srijana Kathayat Bogati)

During the installation of taps, for many households, menstruation sheds presented a major roadblock. Many in the community were adamant about retaining them, despite occupying space needed for taps and the suggestions of representatives from local government and SNV for demolition. But under Charitra Shahi’s leadership, a compromise was found, resulting in the demolition of all menstrual isolation sheds and allocation of a separate room within their homes for women to stay while menstruating.

The community now enjoys access to safe drinking water at home 24 hours a day via a yard connection for every household, and better conditions have been facilitated for menstruating women. While still not ideal, this new arrangement brings menstruating women immediate relief and is helping to accelerate the communities’ acceptance of menstruation as a natural process.

“The rural municipality has given a high priority to menstrual health management and allocated budget for training on sanitary pad production at local level, and we have seen good progress on safe practices and management of menstrual hygiene in this rural municipality,” said Kripa Ram Thapa, WASH focal person, Thantikandh Rural Municipality.

SNV has also established menstrual health management (MHM) self-help groups, which are garnering men and boy’s support for menstruating women and girls. This began with providing information about the importance of hygiene and sanitation, especially during menstruation, and the need for MHM-related products. As time passed, women started drying re-usable clothes in the sun and properly disposing of sanitary pads by burial.

Pabitra Upadhyaya, Community Health Member noted, “Previously during menstruation I used to stay in the hut, but now I stay at home. My husband is aware about menstrual health and supports me to raise awareness towards the same. I have also received trainings to produce sanitary pads. I have facilitated trainings for mother’s group for preparing and using homemade re-usable sanitary pads. As a result, women in our area now use homemade sanitary pads, and young girls can access disposal pads available in the local market.”

Male family members are now setting aside finances for the women and girls in their houses to buy menstrual health and hygiene products, and during menstruation, women and girls can access the toilet. Educating younger generations of boys while also investing in capacity building of the self-help groups is leading to positive transformations, proving effective in influencing gender and social norms within households and communities.

From poverty reduction and stronger economies to healthier populations and better educational outcomes, the benefits of investing in Menstrual Health and Hygiene are far-reaching.

Beyond the Finish Line: Inclusive and sustainable water supply services in Nepal was one of 20 Water for Women WASH projects implemented by civil society organisation partners from 2018 to 2022 during the initial phase of the Fund. Building on this project, Water for Women is proud to again partner with SNV and partners from 2023-2024 to deliver the project, Towards Inclusive Climate Resilience in WASH in Nepal, to directly benefit 69,000 people in Dailekh and Sarlahi Districts.

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