Youth networks take lead in tackling Chhaupadi and child marriage

In Nepal's Panchadeval Binayak Municipality, 15-year-old Dhurba Adhikari leads a youth network that has taken a stand against deeply ingrained social practices. Over the past year, the network has demolished 10 "Chhau" sheds, traditional isolation huts for menstruating women and girls. They also successfully intervened in five child marriages.

Adhikari described the challenges, noting strong local resistance to their efforts. The network's work is further complicated by a lack of expected support from local leaders and elected officials. Despite these hurdles, members like 14-year-old Ramila Shahi are demonstrating commitment by persuading their own families to dismantle Chhau sheds and by staying within their homes during menstruation, encouraging others to follow suit.

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We started demolishing Chhau sheds in our neighbourhood. The locals strongly resisted, but we did not back down. We showed the same resolve in stopping child marriages and prevented five underage weddings.

Similar youth-led movements are emerging elsewhere in Achham. In Kamalbazar Municipality's Kuika ward, the local child network functions as an early warning system against child marriages. Members alert authorities to planned underage weddings, leading to the recovery of 13 individuals who had been married off and taken to India. The network also advocates for marriage at the legal age of 20, with the ward office recently honoring 25 couples who married legally.

The persistence of these young activists is beginning to shift perspectives, even among traditional figures. Ratan Bhul, a ward member and faith healer, acknowledged his changing views and joined the campaign to end harmful practices, recognizing the need for collective action to protect women and girls.

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Going to network meetings while keeping a Chhau shed at home made me uncomfortable. My family initially refused and asked where I had learned these things. With support from my friends in the network and the police, we demolished it. I now stay inside the house during my period and encourage other families to do the same.