Menstrual Exile: The Dangers of Chhaupadi in Nepal and What it Means for Women and Girls
Menstrual exile refers to a range of discriminatory practices that impact the lives of many women and girls across South Asia today. Due to local traditions and stigmas, women and girls are discriminated against during their menstruation period. They are excluded from their communities, including their own homes, schools and workplaces.
The effects of menstrual exile are far-reaching, obstructing women and girls’ access to education, healthcare, community, and even the safety of their own homes. Chhaupadi is a severe and dangerous form of menstrual exile that is still prevalent across many poor, rural communities in Nepal, affecting the lives and opportunities of the women and girls who live there.