Who We Are:
Chhaupadi inc. is a 501C3 nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing period poverty and promoting reproductive health education in Texas. The comprehensive focus on providing free period products, offering reproductive health education, and advocating for menstrual health normalization aligns with the broader goal of addressing period poverty and fostering a supportive and informed community.
Our focus is on assisting individuals of all ages from financially challenged and underserved areas of Texas to obtain vital period products, while imparting the understanding that menstruation is natural and healthy.
What is Chhaupadi:
Chhaupadi is a tradition in Nepal, particularly prevalent in western regions, where women and girls are banished from their homes and forced to live in makeshift huts or cowsheds during menstruation. This practice is rooted in cultural beliefs that consider menstruating women to be impure, and it leads to their isolation from the community during their menstrual cycles. The term "Chhaupadi" refers to both the menstrual taboo and the associated isolation practices. Unfortunately, this tradition has been linked to various risks to women's health and safety, including exposure to harsh weather conditions, animal attacks, and limited access to adequate hygiene facilities. Numerous efforts have been made to address and eliminate Chhaupadi through education, advocacy, and policy change.
During Chhaupadi in Nepal, women and girls are often subject to various restrictions and are not allowed to participate in normal social activities. Some common prohibitions during Chhaupadi include entering the house, touching food or drink that others will consume, entering the kitchen, touching men, and participating in religious activities or gatherings. These restrictions stem from the belief that menstruating women are impure during this time and should be isolated from the rest of the community.
Our goal is to reclaim the term “Chhaupadi” through our work to destigmatize menstruation.
Period Poverty in Texas
Period poverty is a significant issue in the United States including Texas, impacting individuals who struggle to access and afford menstrual hygiene products. Some key facts about period poverty in the United States include:
1. Lack of Access: Many individuals, particularly those from low-income households, face challenges in accessing affordable period products, leading to compromised menstrual hygiene and potential health risks.
2. Financial Burden: The recurring cost of menstrual products can strain the finances of individuals and families living in poverty, affecting their ability to fulfill this basic need.
3. Educational Barriers: Period poverty can contribute to absence and academic struggles among students who do not have access to adequate menstrual products, impacting their educational opportunities and well-being.
4. Health Implications: Limited access to proper menstrual hygiene products can pose health risks and discomfort for individuals, highlighting the broader impact of period poverty on overall well-being.
Chhaupadi Texas: Destigmatizing Periods
Both the Chhaupadi tradition and addressing period poverty in Texas serve to highlight the universal challenges faced by individuals due to cultural taboos and limited access to menstrual hygiene resources. While the specific manifestations may differ, the broader issues relate to the need for destigmatizing menstruation and ensuring access to essential menstrual products. By drawing attention to both Chhaupadi and period poverty in Texas, there's an opportunity to foster a more comprehensive understanding of the global significance of menstrual equity and the diverse ways in which these challenges manifest in different cultural and societal contexts.
