Eliminate Chhupadi Now

Maheshwor Rijal 

JUL 16 -

It was really sad to hear that recently a woman sleeping in a Chhau shed was sexually assaulted in Karkiwada village development committee of Mugu district. Women have been struggling to get rid of the Chaupadi system which requires them to live alone in a secluded shed during their menstruation. But this has not been successful due to traditional and deeply rooted patriarchal norms and values. I am puzzled how to explore this reprehensible reality of Karnali as the Supreme Court has abolished Chaupadi, and enormous attempts have been made by NGOs and INGOs to combat such a vicious practice. Living in a Chhau shed is very dangerous as there is no security, good blanket and food. What’s worse, there is a high risk of snake bites, animal attacks and rape. Women live in fear and are treated as an impure and untouchable being.

It is a matter of curiosity for me why Chaupadi still prevails in far western Nepal. I have visited a majority of village development committees in Mugu district and got an opportunity to study its society from a phenomenological and ethnographic standpoint. I have come to the conclusion that the rigid culture and mindset of the people and the domination of traditional healers are the main barriers. Consequently, eliminating Chaupadi remains one of the challenging tasks for the organisations working in the sector of women empowerment in Mugu. I have met women who want to leave this odious practice, but it is impossible to do that immediately due to the patriarchal norms and values and the restrictions set by a conservative society.

Breaking the Chaupadi system in Mugu is considered to be going against the divine. It is a matter of surprise for me. Let’s take an example of the goddesses Saraswati, Durga and Laxmi who, according to Hinduism, are supposed to be symbols of knowledge, power and prosperity respectively. I don’t think they are being ostracised and forced to live separately during their period. Then why are people still following the system? The time has come to abolish the system forever to ensure a gender-friendly society.

As women are physically week during menstruation, they need proper care. But women are obliged to do heavy work here. Where is quality life? I have found that a majority of the very poor women look older than their age with wrinkled faces. Anyone can guess what will be the condition their children. This is a serious concern and needs to be understood by their male counterparts in society. Let’s throw out the criminal-like system of Chaupadi forever. It is urgent to promote empowerment of vulnerable and marginalised women and ensure their basic rights. I urge women activists and political leaders to please do something to improve the minimum living standard of poor women in Karnali. Let’s join hands to make Karnali a Chaupadi-free zone.

Posted on: 2014-07-17 08:57

(published in Kathmandu Post http://www.ekantipur.com/the-kathmandu-post/2014/07/16/oped/postplatform--eliminate-chaupadi-now)