Chhaupadi, a superstitious practice, is a blot of dishonour on the image of Nepali society that has already witnessed some achievements in medical science and embraced progressive ideas and values. Ironically, a vast chunk of geography in mid- and far-west Nepal is still under the sway of this medieval practice and behaviour that is hardly compatible with the progress and thoughts of 21st century. Ignorance, illiteracy and false conception has gripped the gullible folks to the hilt. As a result, the parents or patriarchs send their daughters and women to live in Chhaugoths (menstrual huts) during their periods. These houses are fit for animals, not humans to stay. Away from home and family members, menstruating women unhappily reside in congested, poorly lit, damp and unhygienic sheds.

Menstruation is a biological cycle in the life of women. But superstition has forced the male or female members of family to assume that it is related to the bad supernatural elements. So the women undergoing the period are treated as impure and not allowed to touch the religious and kitchen items in the house. They are considered as harbinger of bad luck. What a sheer credulity! So the brutal ritual has claimed the life of at least 14 girls, one woman and two boys in Sudurpaschim and Karnali States in the past decade alone.

But the practice of Chhaupadi does not reflect the reality of Nepali society. Considering it harmful and unscientific, Nepal government has declared it as criminal offence in line with the Supreme Court’s ruling that outlawed it in 2005. One may question why there is so delay in legally defining this practice. Nonetheless, the move to criminalise is commendable. The existing law has provisions that an individual convicted of Chhaupadi crime is subject to a three-month jail sentence and Rs 3,000 in fine, and will forfeit social benefits provided by the state. The government, local representatives, women activists and civil society members have taken steps in demolishing Chhaugoths in various districts of western Nepal and launched awareness programmes to end this ill practice. Ministry of Home Affairs sent an 8-point circular to the local authorities of 19 Chhaupadi prevalent districts to intensify the drive against the malpractice.

Against this backdrop, Ministry of Women Children and Senior Citizens is set to unveil a comprehensive action plan, highlighting the role of local, state and federal governments to eradicate this social taboo. According to news report carried out by this daily, Minister for Women Children and Senior Citizens Parbat Gurung, while speaking at the meeting of the Women and Social Committee under the House of Representatives Monday, said that it was high time to review the measures taken to eradicate Chhaupadi. He underlined the need for changing people’s perception of menstruation and hitting the root cause of the evil tradition. Minister Gurung was right when he said menstruation is a natural monthly biological process. But challenge is to make the people living in Chhaupadi-infested villages understand the scientific reasons behind the menstrual cycle. This requires massive consciousness-arousing activities involving the local leaders, teachers, students, youth groups, parents, shamans, journalists, police personnel, Ama Samuha (mother groups) and other stakeholders. The Ministry must effectively coordinate among various social players to successfully root out the barbaric practice.