Women in Business: Challenging Menstrual Taboos for Dignified Menstruation
In many parts of the world, women in business are breaking barriers and shattering glass ceilings.
However, in some regions, they continue to face cultural and societal challenges that impede their progress. One such challenge is the practice of ‘Chhaupadi’ in Nepal, which forces menstruating women to live in separate huts or cowsheds due to traditional beliefs that they are impure during their menstrual cycle. This practice not only endangers women’s health but also hampers their professional and personal lives.
The Story of Chhaupadi
To understand the gravity of the situation, consider the tale of a young girl from a rural village in Nepal.
At the tender age of four, she was puzzled by a bloodstain on her mother’s clothes but received no explanation. By the time she was ten, she noticed her best friend disappearing for days each month, and at fourteen, she was subjected to the same isolation. Such experiences are alarmingly common among women and girls in Nepal, where Chhaupadi is a deeply ingrained cultural norm.
Chhaupadi has severe repercussions, including exposure to extreme weather conditions, snake bites, and even death. The practice also affects women’s mental health, self-esteem, and participation in educational and professional activities, perpetuating a cycle of gender inequality.
The Call for Dignified Menstruation
Efforts are underway to eradicate this harmful practice and promote dignified menstruation. Organizations such as the Radha Paudel Foundation have been at the forefront of this movement, advocating for the establishment of menstruation as a natural and dignified process. They emphasize that menstruation should not be a barrier to education, employment, or any other aspect of life.
Countries like Nepal are taking note. In 2005, the Supreme Court of Nepal banned Chhaupadi, and in 2017, the government criminalized the practice. However, enforcement remains weak, and changing deep-seated cultural beliefs is an ongoing challenge.
Women in Business: Advocating for Change
Women in business are uniquely positioned to advocate for change in their communities. By leveraging their platforms, they can raise awareness about the dangers of Chhaupadi and promote policies that support dignified menstruation.
Business leaders can implement workplace policies that accommodate menstruating employees, ensuring that no woman has to choose between her health and her career.
For example, companies like H&M have taken steps to ensure menstrual health is a part of their broader commitment to gender equality.
By addressing menstrual health in their corporate social responsibility initiatives, they not only support their female employees but also set a precedent for other organizations to follow.
Additionally, women entrepreneurs can collaborate with NGOs to distribute menstrual hygiene products and provide education on menstrual health. By fostering an environment of open dialogue and support, they can help dismantle the stigma surrounding menstruation.
Chhaupadi and similar practices are stark reminders of the challenges that women still face in the journey toward gender equality. However, with concerted efforts from women in business, policymakers, and NGOs, it is possible to establish dignified menstruation as a social norm.
By advocating for change and implementing supportive policies, we can ensure that every woman has the opportunity to thrive, free from the constraints of harmful cultural practices.
For more information on how organizations are working to end Chhaupadi, visit the Radha Paudel Foundation.
To learn about corporate initiatives supporting menstrual health, read about H&M’s sustainability efforts.