Chhaupadi Pratha analysing government policies to combat menstrual discrimination: case study of Shudrapaschim, Nepal

This thesis investigates the impact of Chhaupadi pratha on the wellbeing of women and girls practising it in Nepal. Chhaupadi pratha has affected the health and wellbeing of women and girls, the educational and employment opportunities available to them and is one of cultural practices that has caused gender-based discrimination against them. Several initiatives have been taken by the government of Nepal to eradicate chhaupadi pratha but these had limited impact. This paper analyses the reasons for the limited impact of the policies and measures initiated by the government of Nepal in response to this traditional practice. A human rights-based framework, cultural relativism theory, and social norm theory have been mobilised for this purpose.The data was collected by applying primary and secondary methods of data collection. Interviews and a survey were conducted to gather primary data. Based on the research findings, recommendations have been formulated to ensure effective implementation of policies and measures for combating menstrual discrimination stemming from Chhaupadi.