Authors: Sara E Baumann, Megan A Rabin, Mary Hawk, Bhimsen Devkota, Kajol Upadhaya, Guna Raj Shrestha, Brigit Joseph, Jessica G Burke
In Nepal, the tradition of chhaupadi isolates women during menstruation and childbirth, leading to health risks. This study in Dailekh used a community-driven approach to develop solutions to reduce its harmful effects. Through Human-Centered Design, key stakeholders were engaged, and five interventions were created, including counseling by female community health volunteers (FCHVs), educating mothers, involving the community, empowering fathers, and training youth for advocacy. The FCHV-led approach was seen as the most promising. While addressing the negative impacts of chhaupadi, interventions must also consider its cultural significance and aspects women may want to preserve.
Link: From stigma to solutions: harnessing local wisdom to tackle harms associated with menstrual seclusion (chhaupadi) in Nepal
Resource Topic: CHW Role, Menstrual health, Reproductive health
Resource Type: Mixed Methods
Year: 2024
Region: Asia
Country: Nepal
Publisher May Restrict Access: Yes