KANCHANPUR, July 13: Kamala Damai (Aauji), a 28-year-old woman from Nigali, Krishnapur Municipality-1, died after being bitten by a snake while staying in a menstrual shed. She had been sleeping in the shed located in the yard of her home during her menstrual period when a snake bit her on the left cheek on Friday.
She was immediately taken to Seti Provincial Hospital in Dhangadhi for treatment, but she died on Saturday during the course of treatment, according to Deputy Superintendent of Police Sagar Bohora of the District Police Office, Kanchanpur.
Kamala is survived by three young children. Her husband is currently in India for work. Although the family has a concrete house, Kamala reportedly used to sleep in the shed built in the yard during menstruation, said local residents. According to them, she had returned from India only two months ago.
An eco-friendly and sustainable approach to menstruation
Krishnapur Municipal Mayor Hemraj Ojha expressed shock at the news of her death due to a snakebite in a menstrual hut. "We have been working to eliminate the Chhaupadi system," he said, adding, "It's heartbreaking that despite our awareness efforts, such a tragic incident occurred."
He informed that the municipality’s policy and program for the upcoming fiscal year 2025/26 includes awareness campaigns and the demolition of menstrual sheds.
"Although Chhaupadi has been legally banned, it still exists in areas with poverty and lack of education. We are doing everything we can to reduce it," he said. Dalit activist Rajuram Sarki said it was tragic that an innocent woman lost her life due to such a deeply inhumane practice like Chhaupadi.
He stressed the need to change the mindset of families and communities that treat menstruation—a natural biological process—with disgust and discrimination. Shiwi Luhar, Chairperson of the National Freed Haliya Society, said Chhaupadi is an inhumane social practice still prevalent in Nepal’s far-western region and must be eradicated.
He urged the concerned authorities to take immediate and effective action to end such cruel traditions. According to him, the National Penal (Code) Act, 2017 prohibits keeping menstruating or postpartum women in isolation. Violators can face up to three months of imprisonment.
