Menstrual Hygiene: Background, Challenges and Opportunities

http://www.onsnews.com/artical-of-radha-paudel/

महिनाबारी दिबस—पृष्टभूमि, चुनौती र अवसर

अंग्रेजी महिनाको यो पाचौ महिना 'मे' संसारभरी नै 'स्वस्थ महिनाबारी' अधिकारको महिनाका रुपमा मनाइरहेको छ | नेपालले पनि सन् २०१४ देखि महिनाबारी दिबस कुनै न कुनै रुपले मनाउन थालेको छ|महिलाहरु महिनाबारी हुदा रगत बग्ने दिनलाई सालाखाला मिलाएर पाच दिन हुने भएकोले पाचौ महिना लिएको हो भने, संसारभरिका महिलाहरुको महिनाबारी चक्र सालाखाला २८ दिनको हुने भएकोले २८ तारिखलाई दिबशको रुपमा मानिएको हो | जब सन् २०१४ मा सयुक्त राष्ट्र संघले लैंगिक समानता हासिल गर्न महिनाबारी बार्ने कारण एक मुख्य बाधक हो भनेर घोषणा गरेपछि बिश्व बिकाशको इतिहासमा महिनाबारिले थोरै भए पनि ठाउँ पाएको छ | अर्थात् प्रकिर्तिक रुपमा प्राप्त महिनाबारी जुन संसार भरिकै महिलाहरुले अनुभब गर्छन र जन्मेदेखि मर्ने वेलासम्म यसको प्रकिर्तिक प्रभाब र सामाजिक मूल्य मान्यता भए पनि लामो समयको अन्तरालमा मात्र महिनाबारिलाई एक सबालको रुपमा हेर्न थालियो |

संसारकै इतिहास हेर्ने हो भने सन् १९४८ देखि मानब अधिकारको बहस शुरु भयो | सन् १९७९ देखि महिला बिरुद हुने सबै खाले भेदभाव बिरुदको महासन्धि घोषणा गरि संसारभरी नै महिला अधिकार र शाश्क्तिकरनका छेत्रमा उल्लेखनीय कामहरु नभएका होएनन तर दुर्भाग्य नै भन्नु पर्दछ महिनाबारीले कतै स्थान पाएन |

Menstrual Talk: Dignity First

The month of May is considered a menstrual month globally since 2014 when UN declared that the as a key barrier for equality. At the same year, the May 28 recognized as International Menstrual Hygiene day and started as celebrations globally including Nepal. Here, May is taken for represents the five for the average bleeding day and 28 considered as average menstrual cycle. Historically, it is originated from the WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) perspective. For them, hygiene is obvious because they observed and learned that girls and women isolated or dropped off school due to not having toilet or menstrual hygiene products. But for a Nepali girl, many invisible elements matter during menstruation to live with dignity.

Key Note Speech during Menstrual Day, 2018

Dear Visitors, 

Here, I have shared a key note speech which was delivered during the first Dignified Menstrual Hygiene Day, May 28, 2018 at National City Hall, organized by government, Nepal.

It is in Nepali (my apology for not able to translate, I will translate in future). I was so happy by seeing the institutionalize the campaign which I have been speaking up for 35 years in voluntary basis across the globe. But I was equally sad and disappointed by seeing the communication regarding my speech. I was assigned for 45 minutes for triggering speech, later sent the written invitation letter for 20 minutes, about 12 hours before I received message for 8 minutes, I informed for 10 minutes with 5-10 minutes extra time as Nepali time (I never speak like this or beyond my provided time but two friends encourage me from the organizing committee). I received the phone call about three hours before with proposal for not presenting in front of ministers.  

I was mad and replied not presenting if they wouldn't have time with ministers. That guy was calling me from the phone of government staff. He cut the phone abruptly.

I was so confuse whether I would speak or not, when would I speak? 

I was just prepared on my own; narrative, slides as summary of narrative for non- Nepali speaker guests and mini hand books for ministers. There was no preparation on time. 

I was invited after the experimental sharing from Dailekh, 16 years girls. She only shared the experience of cowshed. That was very obvious and brave lady.

When I started to o read, about 3 minutes, I received the timer message. I continue to read so quick, I keep getting receive same message and finally, a guy came and said stop here by pointing in my paper. I have some questions, and floating on my mind;

If all of the minister were busy, why should they promised to join it.

If  they didn't like to hear the context, how could they understand the issue, suffering and sign in commitment paper.

The Journey of Dignified Mensuration in Nepal: Missing the links

Introduction:

Menstruation is defined by the English Oxford Dictionary is a process in a woman of discharging the blood and other materials from the lining of the uterus at intervals of about one lunar month from puberty until menopause, except during pregnancy. It is natural, developmental process and symbol of reproduction.  

Menstrual Restriction Practice and its impact on Peace, Human Right, Empowerment and SDGs in Nepal CEDAW committer Pre-session shared with IWRAW

Menstrual Restriction Practice and its impact on Peace, Human Right, Empowerment and SDGs in Nepal

                                                                Prepared by Radha Paudel Foundation

Prevalence of the Problem:

Almost Nepalese families are following more than 40 types restrictions during period regardless of caste, class, education, region, region where menstrual blood, menstrual girls/women and their belongings are considered untouchability, dirty, impurity, bad luck[1]. The word of Chhaupadi is being called to the practice of visual segregation during menstruation but segregation is continuing everywhere as invisible form. Consequently, girls/women are deprived from the rights as provisioned by Constitution 2015 includes dignity (article 16), freedom (article 17), equality (article 18), discrimination, contamination (article 24), healthy environment (article 30), education (article 31), health (article 35), food (article 36), house (article 37), women (article 38). It is continued from centuries due to ignorance, poor mindset, gender, poverty, unavailability of sanitary products, toilets[2] (only 37% toilets coverage) with water supply and poor research and policy attention. Thus, girls/women have been facing immediate and long-term problems related with reproductive and urinary systems, psychosocial wellbeing, education, employment, child or early marriage, participation, and often encountered with rape, sexual abuse, murder, snake and wild animal bite, death due to extreme hot or cold, suffocation etc. In June-July 2017, 14 years and 19 years young girls died due to snake bite at cowshed during period. Therefore, the menstruation is serious issue of dignity and human right which is beyond hygiene and infrastructure.

Miteri: What it means to me -Trina Bhattarai

The philosophy of Miteri emphasizes on living together harmoniously and mindfully. Radha Paudel, activist and author, pieced the philosophy together after surviving the trauma of Jumla attack in 2001 and while volunteering in the region afterwards. According to her, “Miteri is an ancient indigenous practice across Nepal regardless of caste, class, region, religion where mutual love and respect operate beyond blood and marriage relationship for the goal of living in togetherness. The birthplace and situation of an individual is not by choice. Miteri is a proven tool for peace and justice by connecting people from various strata and levels, reflecting and rethinking the deeds in past and encourage people to seek the reason of being born as human being in this wonderful world.”Jumla is a wonderful place to realize the meaning of Miteri– the life-style, the people and scenery all allow a person to ponder not only one’s existence but also existing among others. Or so was my experience.

Norvic Hospital's mis surgery: right knee instead of left

नर्भिकले निम्त्याएको निस्पटता

तिनग्टिंग....... तिनटिंग .......  आबाज आयो 

बाहिर  थिए, 

दौडिएर   भित्र गए ।  

मलाई फोन मिस गर्न मन थिएन तर जे लुगा लगाएको थिए त्यसमा गोजी थिएन ।  त्यसैले फोन घरभित्र र बाहिर  जताबाट पनि सुनिने र् टिप्न मिल्ने गरी झ्यालमा राखेको थिए ।  

घरमा ८१ बर्षको  बा भित्र पल्टिरहनु भएको थियो ।  घरिघरि सोद्यै हुनुहुन्थ्यो किन तीन घण्टा लाग्यो होला  हगी ? भाई बहिनीले डाक्टरसँग कुरा गरे होलान नि ? 

बिचमा बेहोस् गर्ने डाक्टर आएर भनेका थिए रे धेरै च्यातिएको  रहेछ, त्यसैले ढिलो भो मैले जबाफ दिए | 

मैले बेहोस् गराउने काम २०५१ -२०५५ सम्म गरेकोले मेरो परिवार केही बुझ्छ र सहयोगिको भूमिका  पनि खेल्न कोशीस गर्छ ।  

Women's representation in Politics in Nepal

Women lose election NOT ONLY patriarchal mindset of political parties BUT ALSO women heavily occupied by patriarchal mindset (here we shouldn't generalize the word of patriarchy as west. The gravity and magnitude of impact in Nepal is huge and complex too). Today, we have to speak very frankly and honestly about any issues no matter whether it is about men or women. 
There are many factors though the following are major:
1. Women are so much fragment within and outside of party/parliament for class, caste, position, privileges.
2. They merely represent as women who they supposed to represent.Mostly they represent either their favorable party or party leader or husband or NGO or anyone. Means they lose and kill their bargaining capacity. As a result leaders do not consider them as competent contested but confirmed as pocket"s voice.
3. Due to socio-economic context have low status manifested by low education, income, recognition +++
4. Yet to have women's movement. Since CPA 2006, women merely involved in dialogues and other decisions but there is no strong voice among the political women. Often NGO make certain waves and visibility but it is also circumvented among non-elite, small, or powerless NGO and their employees. Yet none of political leaders have done systematic mobilization and appeal for movement. Few campaign have done with filthy and fragile in nature.
5. Syndicate among women lead alliances and parties. No young and rational voice get space. Everything allow and accept if there is fancy body languages and reports.
6. Women also heavily involved in corruption inside and outside of party.The honesty, accountability, governance are only confined for training nor for practice.
7. NGOs and media do not represent as CSO.
8. There is no specific orientation for political culture and skills. Project based NGO intervention is building more biased and confused leaders.
To be continued.
http://kantipur.ekantipur.com/…/2017-12…/20171215064209.html

Appeal for Nursing Protest 2018

नर्स साथीहरुलाई मेरो अनुरोध

१ आन्दोलनको सातौ दिन बार्ता टोलि गठन गर्ने संकेत देखियो जुन आँफैमा स्वागतयोग्य छ । तर देशै भरी जागेको आन्दोलन भने बार्ताको नाममा रोकिनु हुन्न । पूर्व योजानानुसार झन सशक्त बनाउदै लग्नु पर्छ ।
२ ११ बुदाले आज सम्मको शोषनका सबै पक्ष अझै समेट्न सकेको छैन । हरेक बुदाले आ -आफ्नै द्रिस्टन्त बोकेकोले कुनै एक बुदा सुनुयाहि भयो यसपाली भैइहाल्यो भनेर आन्दोलन छोड्नु हुन्न ।
३ सेबा ठप्प पर्दा बिरामीलाई असर् पक्कै पनि पुगेको छ तर त्यस्को जिम्मा राज्यले लिनु पर्दछ किन भने नर्सिङ पेशालाई राज्यले कहिल्यै पनि बैज्ञानीक र सम्मानित पेशाको रुपमा हेरेन र देखेन ।
४ बार्ता टोलिमा युबा, पिडक् नर्स को पनि सहभगिता आबस्एक छ
५ भाबनामा नर्सले जुगौ बिताए अब त्यो नदोहोरियोस अन्यथा ईतिहासले माफ गर्ने छैन
Nura Sapkota,Laxmi Tamang,Ramesh Subba,Ramesh Aryal,Laxmi Kc,Tara Pokhrel, Radhika Regmi,Devi Sapkota, Sumita Pathak, Ramila Chaulagain,

Jan 17, 2018

Radha-I am a citizen of Rape Accepted Country

बलात्कार स्वीकारिएको देशको नागरिक म—राधा

मैले बारम्बार सार्बजनिक रुपमा नै भन्दै आएको छु —आजका मितीमा यदि मलाई बलात्कार भयोभने मैले कम्तिमा पनि सयपटक आफूले आफैलाई सोध्नेछु उजुरी गरु कि नगरु  भनेर |तथापी मलाई कोहि कसैले अनिच्छित रुपमा जिस्काउन पनि पाउदैन; गलत द्रिस्तिकोनले हेर्नपनि पाउदैन अर्थात् हेर्योभने दुर्ब्ब्यबहर हुन्छ वा अपराध हो भन्ने थाहा भएको, यहि कुरा सिकाउदै हिडेको पनि दशकौ भैसकेको छ | कानुनको बिद्यार्थी नभएपनि यो देशको संबिधान, कानुनले के भन्छ भन्ने पनि थाहा छ | म पुलिस, वकिल, मानब अधिकारकर्मी, पत्रकार, महिला मानब अधिकारकर्मी, सरकारी संयन्त्रका बारेमा केहि जानिफकार पनि छु, त्यही सस्थामा काम गर्नेहरुले मलाई केहि हदसम्म चिन्छन् पनि | यदि चिनेका छैनन् भने पनि मेरो नाम सुनेपछि वा देखेपछी मलाई चिन्छन् भन्ने विश्वास पनि छ  |

Causes for dragging behind in political discourse

देश उभो लाग्न देखिने ठुला खाडल मात्र हैन हामीले अक्सर मेसो नपाएको, झिना मसिना कुराहरु छन जो बहसमा आउनै सकेका छैनन, ति कुरा बाधक छन । यि त केही उदाहरण मात्र हुन 
१ जिबन भर महिला को अधिकारको भाषान गरेर नथक्ने नेताकी श्रीमती सेतो पहिरन
२ श्रीमान सँग भौतिक र कानुन् ले छुतियकी, महिल अधिकार र राजनीतिक आभियन्ता तर ति श्रीमान मर्दा र पछी रातो रङ सँग छोड् पत्र 
३. जिन्दगी भर प्रकिर्तिलाई चुनौती दिएर टेस्ट. टिउब बच्चा जन्मौने डक्तर साथी बिरामी पर्दा पशुपतिमा बत्ती बाल्ने 
४ जिबन भर जनताको सेबा गरेको नेता २०० महिला बेच्ने, ४ कोठी सन्चालन गर्ने
५ प्रोजेक्ट र आफ्नो राजनैतीक तथा सामाजिक भाषा को ओकालत गर्ने पत्रकार र NGO workers 

Poem

एक्लै लड्ने, मर्ने उर्जा देखावटी हुनै सक्दैन 
असीम अन्याय को आगो बले पछो कसैले रोक्नै सक्दैन 
होस् गर आसे पासे हो अब बलुवा मा घर बन्दैन 
कि देश छोड्, कि जेल रोज यसरी अब चल्दै चल्दैन

My Village

मेरो गाउ, 

शहर  भएछ, 

हेर्दा हेर्दै शहर भएछ ।  

चुलो चम्कोमा , 

धुलो, धुवा पुगेछ, 

खेत भरी घर फलेछ, 

घर भरी मान्छे फलेछन, 

मेरो गाउ, शहर भएछ

हेर्दा हेर्दै डहर भएछ ।  

मकै, पप कर्न भएछ, 

रोटी, पाउरोटी भएछ, 

दुध  डेरिले दिन्छ, 

घिउ शोपिङ मल्मा मिल्छ, 

मेरो गाउ, शहर  भएछ,

हेर्दा हेर्दै बिकासे ठहरियेछ ।  

Poem : Ruby Birds

हिजो डाङ्रेले  बास खोजेर बस्यो 

आज डाङ्रेले बास रोजेर बस्यो,

डाङ्रेले बास फेरी फेरी बस्यो 

डाङ्रेले  बास घारिमा हैन कटहर्को बोटमा बस्यो 

Living Goddess is crime by constitution and human right

जब मैले समाचार पढे, एकछिन त आखै देखिन, सास रोकिएला रोकिएला जस्तो भो.

मैले नपाएका छोरीहरु र नातिनीहरू छोड्न मलाई तेती सजिलो लाग्दैन तर सामाजिक प्रतिष्ठाका लागि आफ्नो सन्तान जिउदै चदाउन कसरी सकेका होलान ती बा आमा. अनि पश्चिम नेपाल नजानेको, नदेखेको छोरीहरुलाई छाउ गोठ मा राख्छन भन्ने शिछित, बैज्ञानिक, धनी kathamandu कसरि सदीयौ देखि साझी बस्न सक्छ होला. हाम्रो फूलबारीमा थुप्रै बचाउन पर्ने कुरा बचेनन तर जरैसित उखेल्नु पर्ने कुरा भने मौलाई रहे. न संबिधान अनुकुल छ न मानब अधिकार. १८ बर्ष मुनिको बच्चा जो सुकै, जे सुकै बहानामा प्रकिर्तिक रुपले बाच्न नपाउनु सरासर अपराध हो, भैलई एक्लै किन नपरुम मलाई मान्य छैन   

http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/news/2017-09-28/new-kumari-trishna-shakya-takes-reign-as-living-goddess-in-photos.html

महिनावारी हामी सबैको जिम्मेबारी Menstruation is Everyone's Business

It is mini handbook, included 67 questions related to menstruation, found in Nepal during a course of my work, study and experience. It could be useful to any kinds of scholars and activists around menstruation.

I wanted to publish it as handbook so would help in building confidence to initiate dialogue around dignified menstruation.

महिनाबारीको रगत, महिनावारी भएकी किशोरी वा महिला, महिनाबारी भएकी महिलाले प्रयोग गर्ने सामग्रीलाई लिएर नेपाली समाजमा चाहे विदेश होस् वा पश्चिम नेपाल वा पुर्बी नेपालमा विभिन्न मिथ्या, गलत धरान, ज्ञान, चलन, विश्वास भएको र बिसेष गरि अभियन्ताहरुमा अलिक दोधारे प्रबिती, अज्ञानता, शंका, आत्म बिस्वासको कमि महसुस भएकोले यो छोटो पुस्तिका तयार गरिएको हो. आशा छ यसले महिनाबारी सम्बन्धि परिबर्तन हुन् चाहने जुनसुकै विधा र छेत्रको जिम्मेवार नेपालीलाई सहयोगी पुस्तिका हुनेछ र समाज रूपान्तरणमा बलियो टेवा पुग्नेछ.  यो म सात वर्ष देखिको अनुभव, अभियानको क्रममा देश विदेशको देखे, जानेका, भोगेका, अनुसन्धान क्रममा देखिएका कुराहरुलाई उल्लेख गरिएको हो.

राधा पौडेल

अभियन्ता र लेखक

आश्विन २०७४

गौरिगंज, चितवन  

WHRD attacked over Witchcraft Allegation

Rajkumari Updathaya, 55 years, Women Human Right Defender (WHRD) was  attacked over witchcraft allegation in her apartment on Sunday, September 24, 2017. Thus, I was there for solidarity and support.

Media Coverage of Rally

Compatibility Assessment of School Textbook with Dignified Menstruation

Background:

The WASH consortium organized a regional workshop in Feb, 2017 at Tulshipur, Dang where the stakeholders across Nepal including activists, role models and government people gathered and declared a 15 points commitment for creating environment for dignified menstruation. Among them a commitment was develop a school curriculum from grade four to ten. Therefore, this workshop was organized in September 15-16, 2017 where total 40 participants working together represented as teachers, resource person, students, parents, government representatives from education, water supply and sanitation, health, women and child development, NGOs from Dang district.

Flood Observation and Support at Madi Chitwan, September 2017

Radha Paudel Foundation supported seven families to construct the house in coordination with local political leaders, youth clubs, women leaders, media. They were dalit, widow, person with disability and poor. They will finish their construction before Dashain.  I had meetings at Municipality officer with political leaders, hospital with medical team and hospital development commiitee for assessing the maternal and child health, spoke with local radio regarding women's right, menstrual rights, literature etc. I also have meetings and discussions on same issue with other key stakeholders and individuals. I went there by using three hours public bus from Bharatpur and walked here and there. There were flooded everywhere, I had crossed four rivers by using buffalo cart and returned with Sabitri on her bike (2 hours in bike).Here, I would like to extend to everyone who trust me from USA, UK, Nepal, Madi,my family and all.

Each passenger get off from bus while entering national park for Madi

धोको फेरेर रुन नपाएको दशैँ

सधै झैँ झन्डै २६ वर्ष पहिलेको दशैँमा बिहान सातै बजे घरमा मार हान्न गाउका दाइहरु आए. करिब छ बर्ष देखि नै मैले मार हान्ने कुरालाई तिलान्जली गरिसकेकोले घर भित्रै बसिरहे. यसरी बस्नुको पछाडी म साहाकारी भएकोले मात्र होइन, म माइनस भएको थिय. बर्खे बिदामा घरमा आउदा मैले महिनाबरिको प्रकिया बाआमसंग छलफल गरिसकेकोले मेरो घरमा पहिले पहिले झैँ महिनाबारी बार्ने चलन कमजोर बनिसकेको थियो तर दशैँमा सहुलियत पाउने नपाउने भन्ने कुराको परिछन हुन बाकी नै थियो.

दशैँ संग भल्किरहने मन

 आज भोलि बिस्लेशन गर्छु, बाहुन भएर पनि मेरो परिवार तेती धार्मिक भएँन. घर र मामाघर दुवै तिरका हजुरबा, आमाको भौतिक अनुपस्थिति, ठुलो परिवार, आर्थिक निम्नस्तर, बाहुन भए पनि कथित तल्लो जात.  केटाकेटीको मन त हो नि, छिमेकिकोमा घरमा पाहुना आउने, मिठो मसिनो पाक्ने, अलिक स्वतन्त्र भएर हिडेको देख्दा कता कता कल्पनामा आउथ्यो - हामी कहाँ पनि तेस्तै तेस्तै गर्न पाए . समय संगै कपालका केस्रा पनि पाक्छन क्यार केहि केहि फुरे जस्तो लाग्ने . केहि कुराले जिबन भर हसाउने कहिले फेरी चुक् चुकाउने.   

Dialogue on Dignified Menstruation at Dailekh

Dialogue on Dignified Menstruation at Dailekh, 21-28, August 2017 where we lost two 14 years and 19 years girls due to #menstrualrestriction by snake bites
Interaction with #faithhealers

Discussion with #Mother'sgroup
Group work and discussion with #politicalleaders
Home visit who are #rolemodels
Discussion with #students from grade 7,8,9,10
Singing and dancing during #teej2017
Interface program with CSOs
Spoke on dignified menstruation and #rishipanchami
Live speech over three FMs at Dailekh bazar

Soraj Shahi,Cameraman from Jumla, Myself, My dad Devi Prasad Paudel and Frankie Fathers, Camerawoman

Terai Flood 2017

As if the casualties are enough, Nepal encountered with serious flood from Jhapa (east) to Bardiya (west) along with Terai or Southern border with India, in between August 12-15, 2017. As like Earthquake, neither the government nor the other actors really prepared for the disaster response. The sorrow, pain, suffering was airing via social media and news. But there was no significant presence except the police and army who were busy in saving lives or crisis management.

I didn't see any presence of major political parties nor major political parties who are claiming that they are fighting for right for Madhesh, nor any organizations who worked in Terai and Disaster.

Action Works Nepal team has already on sport. I liked to go myself to assess the situation for coming up with innovative strategies where I have two objectives; i) HOPE: for the victims. Actions are louder than words. Everyone called for peace but when the time come no one ready for action so I determined to go even without having fund and team, ii) jealousy or role model: Jealousy could be negative word. Indeed, I wanted to encourage or inspire the Kathmandu and hill origin organization to go for support. I had only NPR 40,000 which was donated by Students from Florida University via Anila, 10,000 from Mona Shrestha and NPR 20,000 from my royalty of book 'Khalangama Hamala'. But I bought the materials about NPR 150,000 in credit with the help of GyanRatna Maharajan, President of X-Pose Nepal and went to Siraha by representation Radha Paudel Foundation (RPF). I got very warm welcome while travelling through Bhaktapur Sinduli Bardibas and Siraha in police check post. I had showed the book which was kept on cabin of Truck to get approval from security. I really thanked to everyone who supported for this support.

The details data will share later. The local peace maker promised to sent it because they lead the process where I had guide the ways as I had done and learned from Earthquake 2015 and Flood 2016.

This is the list of distribution at Itari, Siraha who were living in shelter or school due to flood  Page II

Coordination with local government, NGO workers, Human right defenders, Peace makers etc.

Quick tips for supporting flood victims:

बाडी प्रभाबित छेत्रमा काम गर्न जाने साथीहरुले स्थानिय तहका बिविन्न छेत्रमा काम गर्ने स्थानिय मानब अधिकार कर्मी, स्थानिय सरकार, स्थानिय प्रशासनलाई समन्यय गर्नु भयो भने केही समस्या छैन।

मेरो अनुभबमा अब बिशेष गरी केटाकेटी,सुत्केरी, गर्वबती, अपाङ्ग, जेष्ठ नागरिक, एकल महिला र किशोरिहरुको बिशेष राहत दिदै,स्वास्थ्य समस्याको उपचार्, रोकथाम गर्नुपर्ने अबको प्राथमिकता हुनुपर्दछ ।

खेतिपाती नभएको, भये पानी खोलाले बगाएको, काम गरिखानलाई पानी तुरुन्त बिकल्प नभएकोले एकदमै चुनौती थपिएको छ। स्वबलम्बी बनाउदै जिबिकोपर्जनमा काम गर्नु पर्ने दोस्रो प्राथमिकता देखिन्छ।

भाषा र सस्किर्तिको अनुभब नभ्एका साथीहरुको जमात जानु भन्दा प्रतिनिधि मात्रै पठाएर पैसा र सामाग्री पठाउदा राम्रो देखिन्छ।  

Historical Take: Menstrual Discrimination, Penalized, August 9, 2017

It is historical and tremendous pleasure that Nepal criminalized the Chhaupadi by Legislature Parliament August 9, 2017 (Ref:http://www.myrepublica.com/news/25343/). I was in National Reconstruction Authority, Nepal Government for sharing my thoughts on dignified menstruation or why the menstruation is human right concern and role of engineers while doing reconstruction work over earthquake affected areas. I overwhelmed by receiving many phone calls, message on my mobile for congratulating me and have same in social media. Of course, I was happy and proud, remembering all daughters, sisters, mothers who lost their lives due to menstrual restriction specially at shed as well as who are living with broken heart due to traumatic experience from various forms of abuses and discrimination due to menstrual restriction across Nepalese community. The conclusion of my friends is happy due to legal act and other side of coin doubt due to link with belief system as well.

#IamwithDrKC Dedicated to Dr KC

अल्पाआयुमा आमा मैले गुमाय        
किन भने
मैले उचित उपाचार् गर्न सकिन ।
+++
न नेता टुहुरा भये,
न पाटी टुहुरो भयो?
भये त टुहुरो, म भये,
खुशी लुटियो, सर्बस्य मेरै लुटियो ।
+++++
सोचेको थिए,
अब म मर्नु पर्ने छैन,
मेरी छोरी टुहुरो हुने छैन,
मेरो लोग्ने एकल हुने छैनन ।
+++++
तर
होएन रहेछ,
किन भने,
डा के सि लाई मारिदैछ .
++++
उठ,
सब उठ,
डा के सि को जिबन रछाको लागि हैन,
तिम्रो काख रित्तो हुनबाट जोगाउन,
तिमी टुहुरो हुनबाट जोगाउन
++++
नहेर अरुलाई,
उठछ कि भनेर,
नसुन अरुलाई के भन्छ भनेर,
नडराउ पाटिले हेर्दैन भनेर ।
+++
तिम्रो आफ्नै ढुक ढुकि सुन,
तिम्रो आफ्नै श्वास ताप,
तिम्रै अामालाई सोध,
तिम्रै छोरीलाई सोध ।
++++
तिमी उठ,
किन एक्लै मार्न दिने ?
किन पटक पटक मर्ने ?
आउ सबै सङै मरु.
डा के सि सङै मरु ।
++++
चाहे डोजर ल्याहोस् वा सङीनका टुप्पी,
आउ सङै
बाटो भरी सामुहिक अनसन्मा बसु,
 हाम्रो सन्तान मर्न हुन्न,
लडी लडी ल्याएको प्रजातन्त्र, हामीलाई लुत्न हैन ।
http://www.nagariknews.com/news/25036/

#IamwithDrKC

I am sick, neither I can go private hospital nor aboard.
I am sick,neither I can get access to with specialist nor info at public hospital.
I am sick, neither I can live nor I can die, state of restlessness.
I am sick, .. and more sick, because neither my immunity work nor my state.
#IamwithDrKC
I do care, what I believe.
I do care,what I experience.
I do care, what I need.
#IamwithDrKC
I do not care, whether the political parties support or not.
I do not care, whether my friends support or not.
I do not care, whether politicize the issue or not.
#IamwithDrKC
I cried, but no one listen.
I appealed, but no one listen.
I petitioned, but throw in dust bin.
डा. गोविन्द के सी बचाऊ अभियान (Save IOM, Save Dr. Govinda K C)

#teejsong2017, #teej, #menstruation, #respectparents

घुम्दै फिर्दै, बर्सै दिनको तीज आयो, 
८० बर्से बाउलाई भेट्ने दिन आयो । 
दिदि, भिनाजु छोराछोरी सबै भेला हुन्छौ, 
भाई बुहारी बा पेट मिची मिची नाच्छौ ।
घुम्दै फिर्दै, बर्सै दिनको तीज आयो,
गाउ घरका सङिहरु भेट्ने दिन आयो ।
+++++++
कोही सम्जन्छन् आमाको नाच, कोही मिठो अचार्,
मैले सम्झिये गीत, दिदिले भाचिन कम्मर ।
घुम्दै फिर्दै, बर्सै दिनको तीज आयो,
घरै रमाइलो, टोलै रमाइलो, सबै रमाइलो ।
+++++++++
ब्रत बस छोरीहरु भन्नु हुन्न बाले,
महीनाबारी कहिले भएउ सोध्नु हुन्न बाले ।
घुम्दै फिर्दै, बर्सै दिनको तीज आयो,
८० बर्से बाउलाई भेट्ने दिन आयो ।

Dedicated to my real men dad and real women late mom

#teejsong2017, #menstruation

तीजको लहर आयो बरिलै,

 तीजको लहर आयो बरिलै, 

दाजु भाई, दिदी र बहिनी रमाउ बरिलै ।

Dignified Menstruation in Nepal

Policy is Urgently required for redressing #Menstrual Discrimination, #menstrualrestriction

Round table Discussion at Annapurna Post July 21, 2017

Dignified Menstruation, Journey for Policy Drafting

Missing the link: Demolish and Re-building sheds for Menstruation

  

This photo from Achham, by Deuma Bhat

Ignorance behind Menstruation Creates Chaos

Radha Paudel[1]

The below question is the most common one while I was speaking no matter whether I am in village or capital or Nepalese community in aboard.

Q:        Do you enter in to temple during menstruation?

A:        Is this question to me? I have done 13 days mourning during death of my mother in 2009 along with my sisters and brother. Shocked, bite their tongue, shake their body, give big smile etc. are there responses I noticed. Few are furious and charged me as anti-Hindu and many stuffs. To me, this is all ignorance and hegemonic perception around menstruation.

Not only me, my sister, nieces, sister-in law, brother, father and myself, do put on Tika during Dashain, Tihar, do sarade (annual death ritual), enter in to Pashupati (Kathmandu), Mankamana (Gorkha), Tripurasundari (Baitadi), Ugratara (Dadeldhura) and so on along with pad in between vagina and panty. We belong with Hindu religion and enjoying celebrations in our own way as always that we do not have any barriers due to menstrual blood.

New Year

खै कता हो,
किन हो
हराएको हरायै छ
नयाँ बर्ष केही बर्ष यता ।

#Shed, #Chhaupadi, #Achham, #Dailekh, #Kailali, #Menstruation

Often I think, my blood is all about menstrual blood, my breath all about menstrual blood and I am thinking , working, writing, doing etc. about menstruation associated with Human Right, Peace, Empowerment, SDGs WASH in many ways. 

Just about a week ago I was in Dailekh for same and I have few photos of various forms of shed. Likewise, my fiends shared with me sheds from Achham and Kailali. Thus, I like to share here for educating people in many ways.

Shed under construction after declaration, June 2017, Photo: Deuma Bhat

#Democracy

एस्कुज मि प्राध्यपक,
प्रजातन्त्र भनेको बुझिन?
सिम्पल छ,
किन नभुझ्नु नि ?
जनताले जनाताको लागि।
कसरी ?

#MHM, #Dialogue, #Niharika #School, #Okharpauwa

July 1, 2017, Saturday, Niharika School Machhapokhari and British Council jointly organized a dialogue program on #MHM where students and teachers also invited from Nuwakot. It was 2 hours program though very powerful. Girls and boys are really moving. Here, I have shared few photos for documentation purpose. I was facilitated along with Lochana Adhikari, Radha Paudel Foundation.

Group photo after dialogue

#Women's #Landright in Nepal

#Safemotherhood in #Jumla

Many of my reading materials, poems, stories etc. lost while I am travelling here and there. I do not have safe house till 2001 so many times I have given to my friends, sisters for preservation of documents though it doesn't work as always.

I have given all my documents to Mathura, Devi didi while I completed Bachelor of Nursing. I do not know where was my Thesis that is done on Menstrual Hygiene. I tried so much in library of Nursing campus, asked with my Supervisor Sulochana Manadhar and other friends but couldn't found at all. Meanwhile, I also interested to find my other thesis in different capacity. Unfortunately, I did found only the Proposal though I paste here.

Poem on Menstrual restriction

बली मागिरहन्छ छोरीहरु छाउ गोठमा।

भगवानको घर, चाहे जो सुकैको होस्,
मैले देख्छु आमा, बा, अनी देश ।
सबैले पुजे पादुका, मागे होलान् आसिर्बाद,
पुगे ४० दशक अघि, गरे देशमै मर्ने अटोट ।

Dialogue: Shed for Menstruation

 Clean Sheds during Menstruation: 

While walking through the villages to villages in Dailekh, I met Kamala (name changed), married, adolescent girl. She smiled and pointed the shed and shared, 'my sister in law and myself started to use my maternal shed during menstruation because shed of maternal house is clean than here'.  Kamala's father was at home, he bit furious and said, our shed is extremely clean so why should you worry. Another, newly elected leader from Nepali Congress also worked as Dhami claimed that he is not asking women to stay in cowshed or women are living in clean shed. Just before them, the leader from CPN Maoist shouted that Dailekh has not Chhaupadi anymore. It has already abolished by them during war time. The NGOs and government were making fake reports, he added. The leader from UML also claimed that Dailekh has not have problem as far west Nepal, all are living in clean sheds. In other hand, school going children and women account that girls and women staying the outside of home during Pakha lageko bela (menstruation). It could be separate house or shed or farm or beside of hay or firewood. They use traditional material (ghum) for protecting from rain.

Menstrual Activism in Dailekh

Facilitating group discussion at Subham Hotel

Karnali Movement, 2015

It was noon of June 15, 2017, I have called Raj Bhadur Kuwar who I met and closed after the road campaign, Gamgadi, Mugu to Nekchhenagla China just for update because I missed the Jumla while going through the videos from Jumla and my work.

Songs for young child on butterfly

पख पख पुतली,
म रङ भर्दैछु,
तिम्रै पछी पछी,
म गन्तब्य भर्दैछु।

के हुन्छ होला Satirical for political turmoil in Nepal

के हुन्छ होला,
तिमी र म फेरी,
भाडा कुटी लिएर
आपको गाछी मुनी जान पाये ।