Author: Sarita Lamichhane – Founder of Prayatna Nepal – Contact: prayatnanepal.orgPublished: 2024/06/04Publication Type: Paper, EssayContents: Summary – Introduction – Main – RelatedSynopsis: In Nepal, the intersection of menstruation and disability poses unique challenges that are often overlooked. In Nepal, menstruation challenges faced by girls with disabilities are often considered unavoidable. In a society where individuals with disabilities are frequently regarded as incapable, there is a pervasive belief that women with disabilities endure more difficulties when they menstruate. Addressing the menstrual health needs of women with disabilities in Nepal is not just a matter of public health but a fundamental issue of human rights and dignity. The existing barriers, whether cultural, infrastructural, or informational, demand urgent and comprehensive solutions.IntroductionMenstruation and disability intersect within legal and health frameworks, recognizing the unique challenges faced by women with disabilities. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) emphasizes equitable access to healthcare, including menstrual health services, ensuring that women with disabilities are not left behind. Similarly, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) stresses the importance of addressing gender disparities, urging inclusive policies for women with disabilities in menstrual health management. In Nepal, the Constitution guarantees the right to health for all citizens, including those with disabilities, ensuring their access to menstrual hygiene resources. Moreover, the National Health Strategy prioritizes inclusive healthcare services, aiming to bridge the gap for women with disabilities in menstrual health management, thus promoting their dignity and well-being.Main DigestHowever, in Nepal, the intersection of menstruation and disability poses unique challenges that are often overlooked. Women with disabilities face significant barriers in managing their menstrual hygiene due to socio-cultural practices like Chhaupadi, lack of accessible facilities, and inadequate awareness materials. They encounter difficulties in accessing or affording products like pads, tampons, or menstrual cups that suit their needs. Moreover, restroom facilities in public spaces or workplaces may not be equipped to accommodate individuals with disabilities, making it challenging to manage menstrual hygiene discreetly and comfortably.
In Nepal, menstruation challenges faced by girls with disabilities are often considered unavoidable. In a society where individuals with disabilities are frequently regarded as incapable, there is a pervasive belief that women with disabilities endure more difficulties when they menstruate. Deaf women, for instance, face significant barriers when purchasing sanitary pads due to the absence of sign language interpreters in medical and grocery stores. The lack of menstruation awareness materials in sign language exacerbates these challenges, depriving them of essential information from their families due to the topic’s taboo nature and lack of discussion.
One of the fundamental challenges for menstruating women with disabilities in Nepal is the lack of accessible toilets. Cleanliness and hygiene are critical during menstruation, but inadequate facilities make it difficult to maintain these standards. Largely inaccessible facilities pose severe difficulties for wheelchair users, individuals with spinal cord injuries, and those who use crutches. They often struggle to change sanitary pads as needed and may be forced to crawl on the floor to access unclean facilities. The lack of disability-friendly infrastructure in medical facilities, departmental stores, and grocery stores further hinders wheelchair users, those with tricycles, crutches, and walking sticks or canes from purchasing sanitary pads independently, resulting in a reliance on others for assistance.
In schools, the absence of accessible toilets forces wheelchair users and women with disabilities who use calipers to miss several days of school during their menstrual periods. Surangana Bharati, who has a physical disability, expressed that she avoids taking exams while menstruating because she cannot change her sanitary pad at school. “While changing sanitary napkins, I have to leave the exam in the middle and come to the room. I have no choice besides that,” she explained. This issue has led some students with disabilities to drop out of school entirely. For visually impaired women, the lack of proper dustbins and regular water supply in school toilets presents significant challenges in maintaining hygiene and disposing of pads appropriately. Additionally, since the expiration date on sanitary pad packaging is not printed in Braille, there is a risk of using expired products.
Chhaupadi and Its Impact on Women with Disabilities
Chhaupadi, a deeply rooted cultural practice in Nepal, mandates that menstruating women be isolated from their homes and families, often confined to small, unhygienic huts or cow sheds. For women with disabilities, this practice is even more detrimental. The isolation exacerbates their vulnerability, making it difficult to access care and maintain hygiene. The physical and emotional toll of Chhaupadi on women with disabilities is immense, leading to increased health risks and social ostracism.
IEC Material and Accessibility Concerns
Limited and inaccessible awareness materials create a significant gap in knowledge development and information dissemination on menstrual hygiene management. This gap leads to unsafe and disorganized practices during menstruation. The absence of tactile materials to educate and sensitize them about menstruation adds another layer of complexity. Without access to Braille or tactile learning tools, these women are often unaware of basic menstrual hygiene practices. This lack of information can lead to misconceptions and improper management of menstruation, causing further health complications.
Ignorance of Inclusion
Mainstream organizations working on menstruation often completely ignore accessibility concerns during menstruation awareness training and advocacy initiatives. These organizations tend to adopt a tokenistic approach to inclusion, primarily to secure funding, rather than genuinely addressing the needs of women with disabilities. Despite the existence of organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs) that produce menstruation-related exemplary advocacy and awareness materials in accessible and easy-to-read formats, mainstream organizations fail to utilize and replicate these good practices. Moreover, there is a prevalent judgmental attitude among development workers and UN agency representatives regarding the menstruation needs of women with disabilities. These professionals frequently overlook the unique challenges faced by this group, perpetuating exclusion and failing to promote meaningful inclusion in their programs. This disregard highlights a significant gap in the effective and inclusive delivery of menstruation-related services and education.
Way Forward
Ensuring menstrual dignity for women with disabilities in Nepal requires a multi-faceted approach that addresses the intersecting challenges of disability, gender, and menstruation. By promoting awareness, challenging stigma, and implementing inclusive policies and programs, Nepal can empower women with disabilities to manage menstruation with dignity and achieve greater health and well-being. It is essential for stakeholders at all levels to prioritize the rights and needs of women with disabilities in efforts to promote menstrual health and hygiene across the country.
Conclusion
Addressing the menstrual health needs of women with disabilities in Nepal is not just a matter of public health but a fundamental issue of human rights and dignity. The existing barriers, whether cultural, infrastructural, or informational, demand urgent and comprehensive solutions. By ensuring a more inclusive society that respects and supports the unique challenges faced by these women, Nepal can make significant strides toward gender equality and social justice. It is imperative that the voices of women with disabilities are not only heard but actively involved in shaping policies and practices that affect their lives. Only through such inclusive and participatory approaches can we ensure that no woman is left behind, and menstrual dignity becomes a reality for all.Related PublicationsShare This Information To:𝕏.com Facebook RedditPage Information, Citing and DisclaimerDisabled World is an independent disability community founded in 2004 to provide news and information to people with disabilities, seniors, their family and carers. We’d love for you to follow and connect with us on social media!Cite This Page (APA): Sarita Lamichhane – Founder of Prayatna Nepal. (2024, June 4). Upholding Menstrual Dignity: Ensuring Inclusivity for Women with Disabilities in Nepal. Disabled World. Retrieved June 13, 2024 from www.disabled-world.com/health/female/menstruation.phpPermalink: <a href=”https://www.disabled-world.com/health/female/menstruation.php”>Upholding Menstrual Dignity: Ensuring Inclusivity for Women with Disabilities in Nepal</a>: In Nepal, the intersection of menstruation and disability poses unique challenges that are often overlooked.Disabled World provides general information only. Materials presented are never meant to substitute for qualified medical care. Any 3rd party offering or advertising does not constitute an endorsement.
Upholding Menstrual Dignity: Ensuring Inclusivity for Women with Disabilities in Nepal
