The illegal practice of chhaupadi has made its fourth victim in only the first month of 2019… Despite its strict interdiction put forward in 2005.
The young 21 years old Parbati Bogati, passed away a few days ago after suffocating inside a “period hut” in a remote area of western Nepal. A casualty in an ideological war, based on the persistence of old cruel cultural traditions. Such as this recurrent obligation, dictating women must stay away pending the end of her menstrual cycle. During this time, she is considered tainted and impure. She can’t touch food, water, or enter a temple. And whoever comes in direct contact with here will be damned and unlucky as a consequence.
A violent form of discrimination, slowing down the path to gender equality, which also has a direct impact on the mental and physical health of its subjects.
Why is it still persisting?
Some would suggest that the condemnation of 3 months of prison and 2000 rupees fine, passed through a bill the last August, is not threatening enough.
The silent of the victims is also a strong factor. Forced by the social pressure to comply. Growing up in a context where they are lead to think this is “normal”.
And even then, they would need to be arrested:
Last month, when Amba Bohara and here two children died in a period hut; after lighting a fire to keep warm and dying of suffocation as the smock could not evacuate from the sealed hut, no arrests have been made since. And no apparent investigation is in progress.
In 2010 a government survey reported they are still 19% of women between 15 and 49 years old concerned. In the most remote districts, especially in the west and near the Indian border, practicing a strong traditional Hinduism, up to 1 out of 2 women can be forced to go through that monthly process.
What are the solutions?
Awareness! It is the first open door to progress. People need to be informed. To understand the choices they have, the rights their a due, and the inconsiderate risks they take.
In the case of Parbati Bogati, she was alone when the accident occurred. “Because her Husband is working aboard in Malaysia”. Chef of policed, announced the fact inviting us to think it was her fault and thus the reason the investigation will not go any further.
Lal Bahadur Dhami, assures that local government is doing everything in its power to inform people about the dangers. With more than 50 programs of prevention dispatched around the country.
But according to her family, Parbati Bogati attended to one of them a few days before her tragic death.
Feminist associations have decided to take things into their own hands, as the government proved itself to be useless. They announced they will start the destruction of many “period huts” around the country during the next month.
