Discrimination Against women: The impurity of Mensuration

Are you also Mensurating??

Let's talk about the Deep-rooted belief and misconception about mensuration. Menstrual restrictions have culturally deep roots in Nepal as they are based on the customs and religion of the local people.

As a woman, it becomes difficult to see how people interpret menstruation, a natural phenomenon of the female body. Only because the menstrual cycle occurs in the female, society has made this natural gift more of a problem. It is sad to see a woman having to pay for this naturally occurring cycle.

Even though it occurs only in females, it is crucial for the opposite gender to equally know about it. Along with that, it is also important for all to acquire knowledge about the body’s mechanisms, which helps to know that it is a normal cycle and no one needs to be afraid or ashamed of it.

There is no debate that Nepal needs to normalize discussions about menstruation so that this is no longer considered a matter of shame. But, it requires the entire society’s involvement. So, how can Nepal move towards that path? It should begin with debunking menstruation myths and promoting good behaviors.

"SAY NO TO MENSURATION MYTHS"

Not only knowing about the mechanism of the menstrual cycle is enough, but it is important to know about the reasons, taboos, and symptoms revolving around the same. The symptoms include mood swings, food cravings, irritability, depression, and others. With this information, it is also important to note that these all symptoms are usual and should be respected by all genders.

It is surprising to look at the kind of superstitions, misconceptions, and wrong ideas that have been practiced throughout decades and are still prevalent. You will be stunned to read about the clarifications behind so-called misconceptions.

There are various taboos related to menstruation such as barring menstruating women from temples, kitchens, and even in their own houses.

It is said that in ancient times, women were not allowed to enter the kitchen because of their low stamina during menses. It was considered that they would mistakenly get a cut with the knives they used due to low stamina. They were also not allowed because during menstruation, they might be carrying some infections due to improper hygiene and sanitation that might further spread the infection while cooking food and other people might get an infection.

Let’s get to the true reason behind restrictions on entering the temple during menses. When these restrictions were first imposed, it was thought that during the cycle, women had very low and unstable energy. Since the temple is considered a high-energy point, this high energy would interfere with their low energy and further would cause other health complications.

Moving on with the taboo that women should be kept elsewhere during menstruation because they are impure, it is a complete myth. The truth is women should rather stay inside their homes in warm and cosy environments getting all the food that maintains the cycle and hormonal flow. They should be given extra care so they do not feel weak during the cycle.

Some common taboos include:

1. Chhaupadi: Chhaupadi, a centuries-old tradition, remains a significant concern. Although officially banned by the government, it continues in some remote areas. During menstruation, women are considered impure and Women are often forced to sleep in isolated huts or sheds during menstruation due to beliefs about impurity. This practice not only exposes them to various dangers, including animal attacks and extreme weather conditions but also poses serious health risks due to lack of proper sanitation and hygiene facilities issues.

2. Social and Cultural Restrictions: Menstruating women may be subjected to social and cultural restrictions, such as being prohibited from entering kitchens, and temples, or participating in religious ceremonies. They may also be barred from touching certain objects or engaging in physical activities.

3. Limited Access to Resources: Women and girls in Nepal may face challenges in accessing menstrual hygiene products, proper sanitation facilities, and healthcare services. This lack of access exacerbates the challenges they face during menstruation and increases their vulnerability to health issues such as infections and reproductive health complications.

4. Stigma and Discrimination: Menstruation is often surrounded by stigma and discrimination in Nepali society. Women and girls may feel ashamed or embarrassed about their periods, leading to secrecy and reluctance to seek support or information.

5. Educational Disruptions: Menstruation-related stigma and discrimination often lead to educational disruptions for girls. Some may miss school during their periods due to a lack of proper menstrual hygiene management facilities or fear of embarrassment or teasing from peers and teachers. This can have long-term implications for their academic performance and opportunities.

6. Health Risks: The stigma surrounding menstruation in Nepal contributes to poor menstrual hygiene practices, which can result in various health risks for women and girls. Lack of access to clean water, sanitation facilities, and menstrual hygiene products increases the likelihood of infections, reproductive health issues, and other complications.

SOLUTION

Efforts to address these issues include awareness campaigns, education programs, and policy reforms to promote menstrual hygiene and end harmful practices like Chhaupadi. Challenges persist in changing these cultural norms due to deep-rooted beliefs, lack of education, and limited access to resources. However, there has been some progress, with awareness campaigns, legal reforms, and community-based initiatives working to dismantle these harmful practices and promote menstrual hygiene and dignity for all women.

THINGS TO KNOW

1. Discussing the topic: It is important to note that discussing menstruation should begin in childhood even before they discover it by themselves. It should continue throughout the teenage.

2. Menstrual hygiene and sanitation: It is mandatory to explain that hygiene and sanitation should be maintained during the cycle. There are many ways by which one can easily achieve hygiene during this time.

i) Frequently changing menstrual hygiene products: It is advisable to change them every 4-6 hours. But when one is resting or sleeping, it can be one napkin overnight. Changing napkins frequently is advised because their prolonged use can result in rashes and bacterial infection, resulting in Urinary tract infections(UTI) and Reproductive tract infections(RTI).

ii)Discarding sanitary napkins safely to maintain sanitation: They should be strictly disposed of and should not be flushed by any chance as they can cause blockage.

iii) Wearing comfy and light clothing: Light clothes should be worn so there is easy movement and there will not be much sweating as sweats can give rise to infections.

iv) Best food options during menstruation:

1. Food items like chamomile tea, ginger tea, cinnamon tea, and green tea. These teas will reduce menstrual cramps.
2. food items like buckwheat, beetroot, pomegranate, orange, or vitamin C juices should be added to the diet.
3. Dark chocolate is also advisable. that reduces pain.
4. Fruits should be taken.
5. Further, the food items that should be taken are kimchi, sprouts, and green leafy vegetables.

v) Food to avoid:

1. Avoid or limit fatty food
2. Alcohol
3. Caffeine
4. Salty foods

The Future

While menstrual restriction is still prevalent in Nepal, evidence shows that that change can occur. Awareness about menstruation is growing, leading to a change in attitudes.

The government is playing its part too as in the past it has attempted to destroy chhaupadi sheds in certain Nepalese districts, reducing menstrual exclusion. However, this does not offer a proper solution. Therefore, the Menstrual Health and Hygiene Management Partners’ Alliance Nepal helps the government develop policies that will surgically eradicate menstrual taboos in the country.

LETS SAY NO TO MENSURAL MYTHS

While progress has been made, changing deeply entrenched cultural beliefs and behaviors requires sustained efforts and collaboration at various levels of society.