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MENSTRUAL EXILES

- Post Report, Kathmandu
Nov 22, 2015- The people in the rural areas continue to strictly follow their traditional cultures and practices in-spite of facing many difficulties. As a result, these deep-rooted practices cannot be easily uprooted. Among them, chhaupadi still persists in the rural areas of mid-western and far western districts (‘Chhaupadi practice still continues in Dailekh villages,’ November 18, Page 2). This age-old practice is deeply ingrained in the minds of the rural folks. They hesitate to discontinue this belief as they strongly believe that their family members or animals will either get sick or die if they do not keep menstruating women separately.
Some women have even lost their lives while observing this illogical tradition. Many women feel very vulnerable during the first three days of their menstruation. So, they need nutritious food, warm clothes and a clean surrounding. It is very unfortunate and sad to see that the rural women are still giving continuity to this unhealthy practice.
In order to end this practice in rural areas NGOs need to regularly hold awareness programmes. It could be more effective if VDC- based government health workers are trained in ways to raise awareness of the people. If this system is regularised through sub-health posts based in each VDC, we could put an end to this insensitive practice forever in the coming days.
Rai Biren Bangdel, Maharajgunj


http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/printedition/news/2015-11-22/menstrual-exiles.html

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