Participants described the various forms of menstrual discrimination at their family, community and school. All of them do not know about the menstruation before having menstruation therefore most of them cried, afraid, feeling afraid, unhappy born as girl, wanted to die, feeling of dying when they have first menstruation. They also do not like to share or talk about menstruation in front of the male family members such as brothers, father, grand and father. They do not like to let their neighbor to know about the menstruation because they afraid for teasing and other harassment.
They do not do any activities related with religious or cultural activities. They also not allow to touch the plant of fruits and vegetables by thinking these plants get dry or spoiled. Parents of participants do not allow to use the menstrual pad by thinking that the pad bring the serious infection which prevent to have baby in future. Likewise, there was rumors for drying the menstrual pad and panty. They do not like to dry under the open or regular place because they afraid that someone steal these products, attract by witchcraft which also not allow to have baby through the power of witchcraft. The participants who are represented from Islam, not allows to touch Jena Majhi (the special carpet which is used during Namaj), not allow to do Namaj, not allow to touch Quran. Similarly, the participants from Hindu community also have deprived from the religious and cultural activities at the name of impurity for menstrual blood and period. They also not allow to enter in to Kitchen. Therefore, few of them use the pills to avoid and stop menstruation. In school, teachers do not discuss the menstruation and its various aspects openly. The community is so conservative towards the menstruation and considered girl as burden throughout the life. One of the reason of child marriage is also linked with perception and practice regards to menstruation. The pressure is high once the girls have menstruation. Parents do not allow to them for make up during and after the menstruation.
They
called menstruation `Masik’, `Mahinaka bhelai’ and `Mahinawaari’. The `Fear’ is in center for all kinds of
menstrual practices and perception in Madhesh as well though it is invisible.
That fear associated with god, ignorance and leads for silence, whisper and
private matter. Most of the participants
do not know about the menstruation before menstruation. They shared their first
shared menstruation with their sisters, mothers, aunt, and sister in law. Most
of them knew something about menstruation from their mothers, sister in law
when they were in early childhood.
