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 after childbirth, leading to health risks. This study in Dailekh used a community-led approach to develop solutions to reduce its negative impact. The process involved engaging key stakeholders and designing five interventions, including counseling by female community health volunteers (FCHVs), educating mothers, involving the community, empowering fathers, and training youth for advocacy. The FCHV-led intervention was identified as the most promising. While efforts should focus on eliminating harmful aspects of chhaupadi, it is also important to respect its cultural significance.
Link: From stigma to solutions: harnessing local wisdom to tackle harms associated with menstrual seclusion (chhaupadi) in Nepal
Resource Topic: CHW Role, Menstrual health
Resource Type: Evaluation
Year: 2024
Region: Asia
Country: Nepal
Publisher May Restrict Access: Yes