Menstruation is a normal physiological phenomenon that every adult female goes through. It is estimated that an average female gets around 3,000 days of menstruation in her lifetime.

Women in some parts of Nepal are still forced to stay in dark cowsheds during their menstrual period. This culture is commonly known as ‘Chhaupadi.’ It is still a common practice in a majority of households all over Nepal to isolate girls in separate rooms, usually dark and less ventilated ones, especially when they menstruate for the first time. It is quite common in Nepali society that menstruating females are not allowed to participate in religious functions. They are not permitted to get exposed to sunshine and see any male members of the family in many rural parts of the country during their monthly ‘period.’ 

One of the major impacts of menstruation lies on girls’ education. Many girls remain absent from school during their menstruation, the reasons being physical discomfort, lack of privacy for cleaning and/or washing, and lack of availability of disposal system. Also, studies show that many girls perform poorly during menstruation as they worry if boys would realize their condition.

A study among female garment workers in Bangladesh found that they missed work for an average of six days per month due to vaginal infection caused by unsanitary menstrual measures. The lack of access to sanitary toilets, water and disposal of menstrual waste has resulted many women miss their work. As a lot of workplaces have male managers, they are not found to understand the condition of women during menstruation which adds to the shame and discomfort for women and gives them more reasons to make them miss the work.

It is reported that there is a link between poor menstrual hygiene (that is, re-using cloths that have not been adequately cleaned and dried, and not being able to wash regularly), and urinary or reproductive tract infections and other illnesses.

It is necessary to wash the menstrual cloths with soap and dry in sunlight to kill harmful bacteria. But lack of separate toilet for women and clean water, added with the taboos and embarrassment, lead women and girls in a condition where they are unable to change their clothes and wash them regularly. Many girls, out of embarrassment, dry their clothes in secretive, dark places. This practice is a great threat to the health of women.

A study conducted by WaterAid in Nepal about the use of sanitary pads indicates that more urban girls use these pads than their rural counterparts. The reason for not using sanitary pads included lack of awareness about them, high cost, lack of availability and problem of disposal. The girls also suggested they would prefer to use sanitary pads if they were more comfortable, less smelly and easier to use and carry.

Men and boys usually lack appropriate information about menstruation. They often think it in a stereotypical way. Due to the lack of proper information about menstruation, men and boys overlook the situation. They lack empathy for females in this situation and hence are often found to be involved in menstrual related harassment and teasing.

Menstrual hygiene has remained as a taboo subject. Many women are uncomfortable to talk on this topic which is compounded by gender inequity.

For the first time, Menstrual Hygiene Day is going to be celebrated all around the world today (May 28). The theme for this year is ‘Let’s start the conversation about menstruation.’ This creates an opportunity for women and girls to talk openly on the issues related to menstruation that ranges from taboos to different prohibitions. The celebration for the very first time also aims to draw attention of policymakers and program implementers to incorporate this issue into national policies. The day also aims to support the global movement on women’s and girls’ rights.

The writer works at Smile Foundation Nepal, a youth led organization that aims at bringing positive changes in the lives of youths.