KATHMANDU, May 2: A recent impact report shows that 97 percent of women in Bajhang and Bajura have abandoned chhaupadi—the traditional practice of isolating menstruating women—following a community awareness campaign under the Garima Project.
One such case is Seema Thapa from Bajhang, who villagers once blamed for causing a cow’s death after she drank its milk during menstruation. The cow was found alive in the forest the next day, exposing the baseless superstition. Four years ago, Thapa received training through the Garima Project and began advocating for change in her own life and community.
Now, she, her mother, neighbors, and most girls in the village treat menstruation as a normal biological process. They no longer fear entering kitchens, touching taps, or using toilets during their periods.
This shift took place across hundreds of villages in Bajhang and Bajura through the Garima Project, run by Green Tara Nepal and the Rural Education and Environment Development Center (REED Nepal).
Campaign to dismantle Chhaupadi sheds launched in Kanchanpur
The project’s evaluation report, released on Wednesday, highlights significant changes in traditional menstrual restrictions. It states that 97 percent of women no longer follow *chhaupadi* or other discriminatory practices during menstruation.
Four years ago, most girls had to sleep in menstrual huts and were barred from touching water or men. Now, they have stopped these practices.
Another example is Pratima Khadka from Patadebal, Bajhang, who used to sleep in a hut during her period. On her third cycle, she refused and stayed at home with support from her mother. Nothing happened, and most girls in her village now follow her example. However, some families still resist change.
The campaign has also improved school attendance. Previously, 87 percent of girls missed school during menstruation; that number has dropped to 5 percent. Now, 83 percent of schools have clean toilets, water, and sanitary pad facilities. About 95 percent of girls use pads regularly, and 97 percent sleep comfortably during menstruation.
Project Director Shalita Gurung said the change was made possible through community-driven awareness. Local governments have also implemented guidelines to end menstrual discrimination.
Green Tara Nepal Director Ramchandra Silwal said the project expanded sanitary facilities in schools. Participants at the report launch emphasized the need to expand the campaign nationwide, noting that menstrual discrimination still exists—even in Kathmandu.
REED Nepal Director Shakya said, “Menstrual discrimination is present in Kathmandu too. We don’t need to go far. If this campaign continues, it can end such discrimination.”
The Garima Project, which promotes menstruation as a natural process, has become a model initiative. It has improved women’s dignity, health, and access to education, showing that community awareness and participation can drive social change.
