Menstrual Taboo: Hibernating but Hindering factor of Women's Empowerment in Nepal: By Radha Paudel

Today, many people from different walks of life are working for eliminating the practice of Chhaupadi which is more visible in the Mid West and Far West region of Nepal. Chhaupadi is the practice where women and girls have to stay in the cowshed during menstruation and childbirth. A research report carried out in Jumla and Kalikot from mid-west region, revealed that 77% women and girls are following Chhaupadi during menarche (first menstruation) and none of them allowed to stay in the same bed or room (AWON, 2012). Simply, Chhaupadi  is composed of two words; Chhue and Padi. Chhue refers to untouchable and Padi refers to goth (cow/buffalo shed). Usually in the mid and far west region, menstruation called Phadko Marne (stepping out), Chhue (untouchable), Bahir Sarne (Moving out) and Panchhine (stay far or segregation).

In Nepal, menstrual taboo is strictly practicing by 58 % population across culture as mentioned in CBS, 2011.  As guided by Hinduism, women and girls considered Sudra and menstruation is the result of sin. Menstrual taboo is practicing among Bramin, Chhetri and dalit (so called untouchable) communities thought the intensity and gravity varies from place to place.

The restrictions includes in eating, touching, entering and other actions. Eighty percent of the respondents claimed that they were not allowed to go inside the temple while, 77% reported that they were not allowed to go inside the pray room followed by 70% not allowed in the kitchen, 48% not allowed in the social gatherings and 19% were restricted in the schools (AWON, 2012). Likewise, 76% of the respondents have reported restriction in eating and drinking milk and other milk/dairy products.  Sixty four percent respondents reported restriction in eating holy foods. Eating holy foods following a pray is considered as a gift from the god. Similarly, 51% respondents mentioned restriction in eating meat and meat products followed by 28% reported restriction in eating vegetables (AWON, 2012). About 20% respondents informed that they never attend school during the menstrual period, because of restriction by parents (28%), teasing by boys in the schools and self-hesitation.

Chhaupadi is common in these areas due to having strong faith in religion and culture guided by Hinduism. They believed that it is commenced since Staya Yug (Truth Era). It is mostly imposed by their parents and traditional healers (76 %). Moreover, they perceived that pregnant women, children, and grandparents would be sick if women and girls not followed the instructions. They also claimed that their grandparents will be sick or puturne (chanting mantra and shouting as a result of disappointed family's god), in case of not following the restriction at home or entering in kitchen, worship room or others.

Despite intention and intensity of Chhaupdi, it is not good practice at all by many ways. Menstruation is natural phenomena that add beauty to women and society. Nothing is wrong behind being women and having menstruation. The separation from the family with various restrictions in food, place and others, women and girls would have poor physical health status as well as low self esteem. Research also revealed that 77% women and girls felt loneliness and insecure while they stay in cowshed and also felt low dignity in front of the men members at home, school and community. Likewise, 65 % women and girls cried in each period and afraid from possibility of sexual abuse, rape, snake and animal bites. They also feel extreme cold and sometimes they die due to carbon monoxide due to lack of ventilation. In opposition, during period women and girls need more attention from family and friends including love, respect, rest and nutritious food.

The underlying notion of Chhaupadi is separation and restriction. It differs from place to place and culture to culture. For saying, people believed that menstrual taboos are bad and existed in mid and far west. There are various practices for Chhaupadi. 

It is called Chhuikulo, a improvised cowshed, particularity found in urban areas, found both mother and daughter living in the same place in May 2013, Jumla

Cowshed for Chhaupadi, in Dalit Community in Jumla, April 2013

Improvised cowshed, made on the ground floor along with animals, June 2012, Jumla

Cowshed for Chhaupadi practicing in Achham, Far West Nepal, Nov 2013 (Photo: SCN)

It is not true at all. It is common across all Nepal no matter whether it is urban or rural, educated or uneducated etc. An UN head (worker) shared that his men colleagues be late in office in the morning and worried to leave office due to having menstruation of his wife in Kathmandu.' Likewise, a PhD holder, women activist said that I can't enter in to kitchen and worship neither room nor allow entering to my daughter and helper, I feel afraid.' Many US based Nepali fathers and mothers denied to break the practice of restriction to enter temple, workshop room and kitchen as well as separation from family during menarche (first menstruation). In Terai region, thousands of families segregate from home and men members of the family during menarche and many restriction regards to place, things, eating and entering. Similarly, there is no single connection between teaching and practicing because both male and female health worker and teacher asked their wives and daughters to follow these restrictions.

In conclusion, Chhaupadi is common across Nepali society beyond Nepal. It is not comply with the CEDAW 1979, Interim Constitution 2007 and other human right instruments. Having low self-esteem and restricted in mobility is the hidden hindering factor for women's mobility, school performance that would affect up to the women's overall empowerment including political participation at large.

In this connection, menstrual taboos are common and prominent issue for women empowerment. The anti-Chhaupadi campaign is required deeper and wider range in mid and far west where as awareness raising and policy dialogue should be agenda at all levels. However, few actions should endorse immediately where the taboo is more visible and affect at all dimensions of women's life.  In school, there should be match between teaching and practicing about physiology of the menstruation, separate provision of toilet and rest rooms for the girls where water and sanitation pads should be available. Research reports also showed that sixty percent of the respondent girls reported that toilet construction in each school is very important and emphasized that there should be separate toilets for boys and girls. In school, the boys, school management committee and teachers also should engage to create enabling environment for the girls as well as eliminate the taboo in the community. In addition, the community level activities are crucially important such as engaging traditional healers, parents, political leaders, health workers, media etc through interaction program, community dialogue, felicitation to model family, men and community etc.

Engaging Journalists on Anti- Chhaupadi Campaign, in Jumla, May 2013

Engaging Social Activist on Anti-Chhaupadi Movement in Jumla, May 2013

For details: rpaudel456@gmail.com or actionworksnepal.awon10@gmail.com

JOURNEY OF A LIFETIME TO JUMLA by Jo and Tom Millar, Yackandandah, Australia

“As we rounded the corner of the Kalika Primary School, we were greeted by two long lines of children. Each child had made a necklace of marigolds. As we walked between the lines, the children chanted, clapped and presented us with the necklaces. I looked into the eyes of each child, touched their hands and thanked them. By the time I got to the end of the line, I was overcome with emotion and tears flowed down my red painted tikka cheeks.

The children of Kalika school are from a poor, low caste community living on infertile land. For centuries, their ancestors have worked as labourers for higher caste families. Education has only come very recently to Kalika. The government school has only one government teacher and few resources. So when we met Kar, the community teacher we are supporting with funds from my University in Australia, I felt grateful that we were contributing in some small way to AWON’s efforts.

Despite working in Laos and Indonesia for the last ten years, I was not prepared for the obvious signs of poverty amongst the children of Kalika. Their worn and torn uniforms hung off their skinny bodies like rags. The school committee informed us that the children have no lunch so they go all day without food to give them energy or concentration. There were no books, no desks, no chairs, no equipment and only a flat soccer ball that was kicked around the play area.

As we walked back to town with Keshab, the enormity of the challenges facing AWON dawned on me. I marvelled at the courage and determination of Radha, Laxman, Keshab, Bharat and all the staff back in Kathmandu, to improve the lives of disadvantaged villages in western Nepal. I looked up the valley to see Mt Patrashi shining in the late afternoon glow and promised myself to do even more to help AWON achieve its goals.

Indeed, we were back from Rara Lake trek. We are connected with Radha and Karnali by Mr. Popular Gentle, Vice President of Action Works Nepal, is doing his PhD in the same university where I teach.

( Jo is is an International Advisor for Action Works Nepal and Coordinator for AWON's support group in Australia. She herself  teaches yoga every week end and raise fund for AWON ).

My journey to the ‘World of Unknown’ Jumla by Tuka Sandwell

Radha Paudel a  Nurse who dedicated her life to improve the life of poor and marginalized people of a remote region of Nepal and  the founder president of Action Works of Nepal who kindly accepted to implement our project ‘Birthing Centre’ in Jumla.

We (Radha and myself) flew from Nepalgunj to Jumla on 23^rd Oct, enjoying the breath taking views of mountains, pristine and unspoilt vegetation of nature. While landing in Jumla airport I personally felt like I had Switzerland on the left side of it and Grand Canyon on my right. We have got all the wonders of the natural world at Jumla yet we are so poor and underprivileged in every way. Why? it is sad and beyond my comprehension. It will improve as the time passes I suppose.

View from the plane

Our real journey began on 24th October 2013 at 8am on a Bus with unlimited numbers of passengers, heavy sacks of rice on the rough road accessible only in dry season. Our first port of call was Sinja valley where according to historian ‘Khas Bhasa’  was originated here.  It takes about 6 hours from Jumla District  head quarter. We travelled for 7 hours but terminated our journey 45 minutes prior to the arrival at our destination. Despite the rough road and overcrowded bus we enjoyed the spectacular view of the hills and river.   

Patar khola in Jumla, when it cross Jumla border called Heema Heema Khola  

Stopped in Kalikot, neighboring district of Jumla

Children are on the way to Sinja valley, they asked for photo then smiled  

We were accompanied by the local headmaster of Sannigaun who was in the Dist headquarters for his personal commitments. He was our guide/saviour/free lodger etc in the area of unknown to us. We cross the Pathar Khola river at Sinja valley where we were joined by many local leaders of the village going back home after their political activities for the day. Our real journey began at 3pm on foot steadily climbing the hills and very steep hills until we were at our guide’s house by 7pm. Our path at night was surrounded by the hills, we were guided by the Jupiters in the clear sky and the sound of little night creatures. We eventually conquered the hill like Hillary and Tenzing did and came to the level of hills that had surrounded us a few hours ago.

Start of uphills to Sannigaun 

At this point of steep hills climbing in the dark, tired and in a hungry state of mind I thought Radha was insane and felt that I was in a state of losing insanity too. This concept of being insane was soon superseded by welcoming smile and the warm hospitality of our host who were dedicated for our comfort and well being all the time.

On 25^th we had an opportunity to invite local community leaders, teachers, political leaders and the local community. Unfortunately there were no women representatives at this crucial meeting as it is their harvesting season and every working age women were out to the field from the early morning.

Whomever we had a meeting with had a sad story to tell about the loss of their wives, daughter in law, daughters due to the complications of pregnancy and childbirth. We were moved to see their eagerness to help run the birthing centre which they felt the need for a few years but were unaware of the procedure to contact the right people/authority.

On principle the community were fully committed to make a success of the Birthing Centre but this has yet to be seen as we go through the different stages of its implementation.

Local leaders along with politicians

Following the meeting we had to rush to catch the bus back to Jumla because there is only one bus a day scheduled to leave at 10 am latest and we missed the bus.

But on the bright side we were overwhelmed by the gesture of the local people who kindly arranged the horse ride on our way back. We have to decline the offer because coming down hill was easy and we made in 70 minutes to Sinja valley.

  

 

Miteri Birthing Center 

On the whole this trip to Sannigaun was worth it because of three reasons:

• 1.   I saw and felt the harsh reality of everyday life of the people of Jumla and this reminded of my childhood life in Lamjung five decades ago, the memories of which were slowly disappearing within me.
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• 2.     I was an inspiration to local young school girls who wanted to follow my footsteps, study hard and become a nurse, serve the people and had a dream to go to the United Kingdom.
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• 3.      Relentless efforts of Radha to help and support the people of remote Jumla which takes great courage to carry out such tasks repeatedly without being disappointed.

I do have great respect for Radha for her passion of care, empathy and strong desire to complete the task with high standards and I wish her best for her to go from the strength to strength in her future ventures.

Lastly I would like to thank Radha for helping and guiding me to this journey of unknown even though I might have been hindrance at times. Radha you are true ambassador of a NURSE with all the superb qualities which Florence Nightingale stated.

Our host very cheerful and intelligent lady

I used the term ‘Journey to the unknown’ in the title because we had no communication with the world for those two days which is an extremely terrifying experience in this day and age when the whole world has seemingly become smaller with the advanced technology of communication even in Nepal.

We bid sad farewell to Sannigaun even the short time we met those people left great impact on us. Poor, hard working and deprived of basic rights but always happy and cheerful compared to us where we take every comfort of life as granted.

Radha organised a programme in Jumla to meet us all at Miteri Peace Garden (Peace Commemoration) 26^th October where she has already laid the foundation stone to build Peace Garden in the memory of all 267 people from different background ended their life during insurgency. This is a peaceful spot at the bank of Tila river with spectacular view of mountains and hills that surrounds Jumla district head quarter. Our IPP Mr Kul Acharya joined the meeting and kindly donated Rs 100,000.00. towards Peace Garden project where I had already donated £ 200 and raised £ 300 by selling  Radha’s book `Khalangama Hamala’, a WAR memoir, in UK  for this project. The royalty (10%) against this book has already committed  for same Peace Garden by Radha and I will be with Radha's mission as usual.

Fund raising programme is ongoing to build a building at Peace Garden with the facility of Conference hall, library, classroom for local children, guest house and meditation room. Anyone interested to donate please contact Action Works at: actionworksnepal.awon10@gmail.com or Radha at: rpaudel456@gmail.com

Miteri Peace Garden Jumla

Proactive local ladies from Jumla who wants the best of everything for Jumla.

Miteri Recycle Center: Action Works Nepal (AWON)

मितेरी  रीसाइकल केन्द्र (Miteri Recycle Center: History and Lessons Learned)
राधा पौडेल, समाजसेबी
 केटाकेटी बेला बाढी, पहिरो, महामारी, आगलागी आदि भनेर बुझ्ने भएदेखिनै सबैभन्दा पहिले त कपडा नै बाँडेको, कपडानै संकलन गरेको सुनेको र देखेको थिए । हालसालै दार्चुलाको घटनामा कपडा हार्दिकताका साथ बाँडेको, हार्दिकताका साथ लिएको पनि देखियो अनि लुगा चाहिदैन, चाहिएको नीति, पैसा आदि हो भन्ने पढ्न, देख्न, सुन्न सबै पाइयो ।

वास्तवमा माथि भनेका दुवै कुरा सत्य हुन्, अर्थात संकलन, वितरण, खुशी, दुःखी सबै भएकै हो । मैले यसै सन्दर्भमा दार्चुलाका केही सरोकारवालासँग कुराकानी गरेको छु । यस्तै मिश्रित उत्तर आएको थियो, जुन अत्यन्तै स्वभाविक पनि हो हाम्रो समाजमा ।
हाम्रो समाज, हाम्रो नेपाली सभ्यता पुरानो सभ्यता हो । आदि काल देखि दान गर्ने कुरालाई धर्मसँग दाँजेर हेर्ने गथ्र्यो जुन पाटीपौवा, चौतारा लगायत दान गर्ने कुराबाट स्पष्ट हुन सकिन्छ । तर यो समाज जटिल पनि छ । फरक–फरक विचार, मुल्य मान्यता, बोकेका मानिसहरु पनि यही समाजमा बस्छन् । स्वार्थी, बद्मास, ज्ञानी लगायत सबै खाले मान्छे खोज्दा पाइन्छन् ।
तथापि हामी विशेष गरी पढेलेखेकाहरु, धनी भनाउँदाहरु, जान्ने सुन्नेहरुमानै विचार, मुल्य, मान्यताको कमी छ जस्तो लाग्छ । चाहे त्यो सोलुको, डोल्पाको, सप्तरीको गरिब व्यक्ति वा काठमाडौंको धनी, नाम चलेको मान्छे नै किन नहोस उसको अनुभूति एउटै हुन्छ । जति काठमाडौंको मान्छे पाँच तारे होटलमा भोकाएको बेला खाना खाएर आनन्द लिन्छ त्यतिनै आनन्द दुर्गमका गरिबहरुले पनि लिन्छन् । तर त्यस्तो भावनाले हेरिदैन नेपालमा । गरिबको, ग्रामिण क्षेत्रमा बसोबास गर्नेको मन नै अर्कै हो । अनुभूतिनै अर्कै हो जस्तो गर्छन प्रायः जसो धनी, पढेलेखेकाहरु । जबसम्म हामी एकअर्कालाई अनुभूति वा दृष्टिकोणले समान रुपमा हेर्न सक्दैनौ तब सम्म कुनै राम्रो नीति र नेता आउँदैमा देश बन्ने, शान्ति आउनेवाला छैन । नेपालीहरुमा अझैपनि पैसा नहुने, नपढेको, घर नभएको मानिसलाई जे गरेपनि हुन्छ, जस्तो खाएपनि हुन्छ, जस्तो लाएपनि हुन्छ भन्ने मान्यता हावी छ । कल्पना नै नगरेको व्यक्तिबाट त्यस्तो व्यवहार देख्दा मलाई खपी साध्य हुँदैन, त्यसैले यो लेख लेख्दैछु ।
धनी, पढेलेखेकाहरुको अनुभूत गर्ने माध्यम फरक हुन्छ, उनीहरु विशेष माध्यमहरु प्रयोग, त्यो समान्य हो । जस्तै हुम्लामा भारी बोकिरहेको भरियाले थाकेर पसिना ओभाउन चौतारीमा जुन किसिमको मज्जाको अनुभूति गर्छ । त्यही अनुभूति काठमाडौंमा एयर कन्डिसनबाट गरिएको होला तर गर्मी हुने र पसिना आउने कुरा समान हो र त्यसलाई समाधान गर्दा हुने मज्जा पनि एकै हो ।
विशेष गरी नेपालमा जाडो महिनामा तराईका केही जिल्लामा जाडोले मृत्युवरण गर्नुपरेको कुरा हरेक वर्ष आउन थालेको छ । पहिले–पहिले बाढीपीडितलाई दिने कपडा अब जाडो पीडितलाई दिन थालिएको छ । सार्वजनिक जीवनमा ख्याति कमाएकाहरुले संकलन गर्ने, आव्हान गर्ने, वितरण गरेको पत्रिकाबाट खुब देखिन्छ । नेपालमा कतिपय ठाउँहरु जस्तै सुदूरपश्चिम, मध्यपश्चिमका पहाडहरुका भित्री गाउँहरुमा, तराईका भित्री गाउँहरु, जहाँ बच्चाहरु, बुढाबुढीहरु कपडा नभएर बाह्रैमास नाङ्गै, चिसै बस्न बाध्य छन् । कतिपय अबस्थामा मृत्यू पनि भएको छ ।

यही यथार्थलाई चिर्न मैले नेतृत्व गरेको र शत प्रतिशत स्वंयमसेवक हिसाबले काम गरेको संस्था एक्सन वक्र्स नेपालको ‘मितरी गाउँ सँगसँगै बाँचौ’ अभियान मार्फत यसको स्थापनाकाल देखिनै कपडाहरु संकलन गरेर वितरण गर्ने गरेको छ । यो विषयमा पहिलो पटक कुराकानी÷छलफल गर्दा साथीहरु अलि हिचकिचाउनु भएको थियो, उहांहरुको भनाई थियो प्रयोग गरिसकेको लुगा पनि कसैले लाउला, त्यसमाथि पनि पत्रपत्रिकामा खबर आइरहन्छ रे बाढी पीडितले पुराना लुगा लगाउनन् रे, नयाँ लुगा पनि पुरानो भनेर मिल्काइदिए रे आदि । तथापि एक्सन वक्र्स नेपालको ‘मितेरी गाउँ सँगसँगै बाँचौ’ अभियानमा कपडा वर्षैभर संकलन र वितरण गर्दछ । यही यथार्थलाई चिर्न एक्सन वक्र्स नेपालको ‘मितेरी गाउँ सँगसँगै बाँचौ’ अभियानमा कपडा वर्षैभर संकलन र वितरण गर्दछ, यसको आफ्नै प्रक्रिया छ, जसलाई आचारसंहिता भनेर भनिन्छ । कुनै व्यक्ति गरिब, दलित, दुर्गममा जन्मनका लागि व्यक्तिको आफ्नो छनौट नभई संयोग वा प्राकृतिक भएकोले सबैले सबैलाई माया र सम्मान गर्न सक्छन् । जसका लागि मित लगाएर गर्न सकिन्छ । यो कुनै व्यक्ति, संस्था वा समूह जो पनि हुनसक्छ । जहाँको पनि हुन सक्छ । जे काम गरेको पनि हुनसक्छ यो माया र सम्मान रगतको नाता, विवाहको सम्बन्ध भन्दा पनि बढी बलियो हुन्छ भन्ने यसको मुलभूत सिद्धान्त हो ।
त्यसैले कपडा संकलन गर्दा हामी दाताहरुलाई कपडा सफा, नच्यातिएको कपडा दिनुस भन्छौ । कपडा दिंदा तपाईको विवेकले १, २ रुपियादेखि जति सकिन्छ त्यतिनै पैसा पनि दिनुस भनेर अनुरोध गर्छौ । त्यसमा दुई वटा कारणहरु छन् । पहिलो कपडा मात्र दियो भने सम्मानहिन अर्थात हेपेर दिएको वा सामान्य दान मात्र जस्तो हुन्छ, यदि पैसा पनि दियो भनेपछि दानभन्दा पनि माथि, साँच्चिकै मानवताको दृष्टिकोणले दिएको, सहानुभूतिले भन्दा पनि माथि उठेर सम्मान गरेको भन्ने हुन्छ भन्ने हाम्रो मान्यता हो भने कपडालाई जहाँ पठाएपनि (अहिलेसम्म हामीले जुम्ला, कालीकोट, हुम्ला र अछाममा पठाएका छौ) कपडा यसै त जाँदैन, कोही व्यक्ति वा संस्थाले कहिलेकाँही फेस भ्यालु –(व्यक्ति विशेषलाई) देला तर सबैलाई त दिदैन । जस्तैे म जाँदा जति सजिलो गरी कपडा लान्छु अरु साथी जाँदा सजिलो भएन र बस, एयरलाइन्सलाई अनुराध गरे पनि त्यो अझैपनि बलियो बन्न सकेको छैन । अर्थात ट्याक्सी, गाडी÷जहाज÷मान्छे वा गधा खच्चडले बोक्नुपर्ने हुन्छ । जुन यसै वा सित्तैमा लैजान सकिदैन । गाउँमा गएर सित्तै नबाँड्दा वा थोरै–थोरै पैसा भएपनि एउटा कपडाको भाडा खर्चमा अरु कपडा पनि जानसक्छ । अर्थात भाडा खर्चमा सहयोग पुग्छ ।
यसरी निर्धारित ठाउँमा पुगेको कपडा हामीले यसै पनि दिदैनौ किनभने निःशुल्क पाएपछि नेपालमा त्यसको माया नगरिएको यथार्थ वा घटना हामीसँग धेरै छन् । हामीले सुन्धारामा बाटोमा राखेर एक सय ६० भनेको सर्ट किनेर लाउनु र डिपार्टमेन्टल स्टोर वा विदेशबाट ब्राण्डेड लुगा र ६००० मा लगाउनुको मज्जा र अनुभूति एउटै हो । दुवैले उत्तिकै आत्मसम्मान पाएका हुन्छन् । खुशी हुन्छन् । त्यसैले समुदायको सल्लाहमा कपडालाई ५–२० रुपैयाँसम्म बेच्ने गरिन्छ । ५, १० वा २० कति राख्ने मितेरी समूहहरु आफैले गर्दछन ्। यसरी मितेरी महिला÷पुरुष÷धामीझाँक्री समूहमा उनीहरुकै नेतृत्वमा बिक्री वितरण गरेपछि उनीहरुकै समूहको वृद्धि, विकासको लागि पैसा को प्रयोग गरिन्छ । आर्थात एक्सन वक्र्स नेपालले त्यो पैसा लिन्न । कति कपडा कहां, कति बाडियो भनेर हरेक वर्ष सामूहिक रुपमा मित (दाता)हरुको अगाडि प्रस्तूत गरिन्छ ।
यसरी कपडा संकलन र वितरण गर्दा धेरैजसो ठाउँमा मानिसहरु खुशी हुन्छन । हानथाप पनि हुन्छ भने कतै–कतै लाउन्न पुरानो भन्छन रे ।मैले आफैले अनुभव गरेको कुरा चाँही के हो भने, यहाँ देखि कपडा लाभान्वित समूहसम्म पु¥याउन  चूनौती छ, जतिसुकै पटाएको, राम्रो कपडा पनि धुलो हुने, कुच्चिने, कहिलेकाँही बाटोमै च्यातिने जस्ता समस्या हामीले नभोगेको होइन ।
कपडा संकलन गर्दा साथीभाई, इस्टमित्र, संघसंस्थालाई भन्दा हामीले कृपया सफा, पटाएर, केटाकेटीको छुट्टै, वयस्क महिला र पुरुषको छुट्टै गरेर ल्याउन अनुरोध गर्छौ । हामीकहाँ कपडाहरु आइरहेका छन् । हामीले भनेजस्तै केहि निश्चित साथीहरु बाहेक धेरैजसो कपडा ज्यादैनै दुःख लाग्ने अवस्थामा हामी कहाँ ल्याइन्छ । बोरामा कसकास पारेको त्यतिको प्रसिद्धी कमाएको मान्छेले ल्याएको कपडा छ, जाँच्नु पर्दैन भनेर सोचियो पहिले–पहिले । वितरण गर्ने बेलामा च्यातिएका, मैला कपडा देखेर आँखा रसाए, पछूतो भयो । भन्न लाज लाग्छ यहाँ, हामी कहाँ यस्ता कपडा आइपुग्छन् की तपाई कल्पनै गर्न सक्नुहुन्न । हामीसित फोटो छन् कपडाहरुको ।  च्यातिएका, उध्रिएका, सुत्केरीले लचप्पै तेल लगाएका, झरीमा लाएर हिँडेर हिलो लतपतिएका, बच्चाको दिसा लागेका, महिलाको महिनावारीको रगत सँगैका यस्ता कपडा हामीले पायौ । हरे हरे हाम्रो सभ्यता, हाम्रो संस्कार ।

हामी अवाक प¥यौ, अब के गर्ने त ? त्यसैले पहिलो दुई–चार महिना पछि सबै कपडा चाहे जोसुकै होस जाँच्ने नियम बनायौ र त्यसपछि हामीले सबैलाई अनुरोध गर्न थाल्यौ । तपाईको कपडा, तपाईले ल्याउनुभएको कपडा तपाईकै अगाडि हामी लगाउँछु, त्यस्तो कपडा लिएर आउनुस है भन्छौ । एकदमै नम्र भाषामा दोहोराएर, तेहेराएर भन्छौ । कोही कोही रिसाउनुहुन्छ, गाली पनि गर्नुहुन्छ । उहाँले कपडा ल्याउन ढिलो गर्नुहुन्छ, अनि हामी फेरि फोन गरेर सम्झाउछौ, त्यसपछि उहाँहरुले ल्याएको लुगा कृपया आउनुस सँगै बसेर हेरौ भनेर अनुरोध गर्छौ । धेरैजसो हेर्न मान्नुहुन्न, फुर्सद छैन भनेर जानुहुन्छ । कोही–कोहीले हेर्नुहुन्छ राम्रा कपडा साथै लगाउनै नहुने कपडाहरु देखेपछि हत्तेरी काम गर्नेले गरेको, बच्चाहरुले गरेको यस्तो राखेछन् भन्नुहुन्छ ।
एकपटक एउटा सार्बजनिक कार्यक्रममा उद्घोषकले ससानो प्वाल भएको, च्यातिएको कपडा भएपनि हून्छ भने, त्यो कपडा मैले प्रतिनिधित्व गरेको क्षेत्रमा लैजानका लागि गरिएको थियो । मलाई आगोको लप्काले पालेजस्तै भो । तूरुन्तै म उठेर प्रतिवाद गरे, हाम्रो भनाभननै भयो । यो एउटा प्रतिनिधि उदाहरण मात्रै हो । मलाई लाग्दैन उहाँहरु च्यातिएका, उद्रिएका, फस्नर नभएका, कपडा लगाएर हिँड्नहूून्छ । उहांहरु जस्तो सबैले गरिबहरुको, पीडितहरुको स्वाभिमान त गरिब हून्न भन्ने बूझिदिए कति जाती हूने थियो होला ।
नेपाली समाज लक्ष्मीप्रसाद देवकोटाले आफुले लगाएको कोट दिएर घरमा नाङ्गै फर्किएको समाज हो तर आज लाज, डर, घिन टाडिएर जाँदैछ । आफ्नो समाज, आफ्नो देशमा आफैले विद्रोहको बीउ रोप्दैछ । बर्गका हिसाबले खाडल खन्दै, मनोबैज्ञानिक ढंगले द्रन्द निम्त्याउदैछ ।

माथी उल्लेख गरे अनूसार करिव तिन वर्षको सिकाई चूनौती, अवसरको आधारमा एक्सन वक्र्स नेपालले मितेरी रीसाइकल  सेन्टर सूरुवात गर्यो । जून वंगलादेशका नोवेल  पूरस्कार विजेता प्रो. मोहम्मद यूनूस ले सूरुवात गरेको सामाजिक व्यवसाय (Social Business) को सिद्धान्तमा आधारीत छ भने यो कपडा नै रीसाइकल गर्ने सन्र्दभमा फीरीप इथीक्यू र अक्सफार्म यूके मिलेर यूके र अफ्रिकामा व्यवसाय सफलतापूर्वक गरीरहेका छन । एक्सन वक्र्स नेपालले यो मितेरी रिसाइकलवाट उत्पादन गरीएका कपडाहरु १२ अगष्ट २०१३, १४ औँ अन्तराष्टीय यूवा दिवसको अवसरमा काठमाडौँको राष्ट्रीय सभागृहमा पसल नै थापेर वेचविखन प्रारम्भ गरेको छ । यसैगरी सम्वृद्ध र शान्त नेपालका लागी यूवाहरुका तर्फवाट प्रस्तूत गरीएका उत्कृष्ट १५ सपनाहरु  मध्ये यो मितेरी रीसाइकल केन्द्र पनि प्रस्तूत गरीएको थियो । जहाँ भूतपूर्व प्रधानमन्त्री माधवकूमार नेपाल, मूख्य राजनितिक पार्टीका नेताहरु लगाएत वूद्धीजिवीहरु, नागरीक समाजका अगूवाहरुको वाक्लो उपस्थित थियो । मितेरी कपडा पसलको प्रक्रिया वूझन र अवलोकन गर्न मन्त्री, नेता, राष्ट्रीय खेलाडीहरु, सर्वसाधारणको घूइचो थियो ।

                

रीसाइकल केन्द्र भन्नाले संकलन गरीएको कपडालाई पून प्रयोगमा ल्याउनका लागी सफा गर्ने आवश्यता अनूसार मर्मत, आइरन गर्ने प्याकीé   गरी निर्धारीत ठाउँमा पूयाउने कार्यहरु पर्दछ ।

सायद विदेशमा बस्ने, विदेश जानेहरुले यस्ता पसल देख्नूभएको होला । बेलायत, फिलिपिन्स, सेनेगलमा यो अभ्यास एकदमै सफल छ । तिनिहरु मानवताका दृष्टिकोणले हामी नेपाली भन्दा धैरैनै संवेदनशिल छन् । आसा छ एक्सन वक्र्स नेपालको मीतेरी गाउँ सँगसँगै वाचौँ अभियान मार्फत सूरु गरीएको मितेरी रीसाइकल केन्द्रमा यहाँहरुको सक्रिय सहभागीता, सहयोग, सूभेच्छा, सहकार्य प्राप्त हूनेछ ।

थप जानकारीको लागि ।
फोन नं ः ०१ ४२२७३३०, ४१०२१०३
एक्सन वकर्स नेपाल
थापाथली, काठमाडौँ

Miteri Recycle Center:

Clothing Collection, Recycling and Distribution Project in Nepal

Do you have clothes sitting in your cupboard that you or your family no longer wear? Let us help you! Donating your clothes to the Miteri Recycling Center, is easy and a great way to contribute to a very good cause.

Miteri Recycling Center is a social enterprise run by Action Works Nepal. We collect, recycle and re-sell clothes to enable families in the remote Karnali region to access good quality, sturdy and warm clothing. As we grow, we aim to provide sustainable livelihoods for women who will work in our community clothing shops.

·         If you belong to a group, school, college, company or NGO and would like to organise an organization-wise collection for us, we would be delighted to collect.

·         If you would like to donate funds to help cover the transportation costs to Karnali and help the social enterprise expand, click here: www.actionworksnepal.org

Code of conduct:  If you are donating clothes, we request that you wash, iron and fold the clothes before they come to us. It would also help if you could pack the clothes in to separate bags for men’s, women’s and children’s clothing.  

 

The Need

 Karnali is the high priority region by government, development actors, due to extreme poverty, intense ignorance, conflict affected, mountainous region, most remote. The National Standard Living Survey is also revealed that Karnali is in high risks by many ways.Caste and gender discrimination in Karnali Zone is comparatively high resulting in lack of access for women, Dalits and marginalized people to resources and opportunities. There is a high need for livelihood development as well as access to basics such as food, clean water and warm clothing for protection against the cold weather. 

 The Solution

Action Works Nepal has been working in communities across Karnali since 2001 with a particular focus on empowering women through access to savings and credit groups and exploring economic opportunities with poor and marginalized communities.

Since 2010, AWON initiated a pilot social business collecting used clothes from Kathmandu to be recycled and resold locally in Karnali by Miteri women’s groups. The clothes are washed, repaired, ironed, labelled and packaged well to look like retail items rather than donations and sold at a price that is affordable to the poorest consumers. This preserves the dignity of the people buying the clothes and provides a sustainable income for the women’s groups. 

 

The Pilot

The project has been informally piloted by Action Works Nepal (AWON) in 3 of the most remote districts within the Karnali region – Kalikot, Humla and Jumla, targeting the poorest population. Clothing was collected in Kathmandu and transported to the areas and sold by an AWON volunteer.

Feedback from the pilots described people queuing to buy the clothes and all items had sold out within the hour.

This experience shows that there is real demand for access to quality, affordable clothing in remote, poor villages. More communities across the region from Jumla, Kalikot, Humla and Accham are now demanding this clothing retail service.

 

The Plan

The plan now is to formalise and scale up the operations by establishing a centre in Kathmandu run by women to collect, make good and package larger volumes of clothing for resale. Clothing will be sourced from Kathmandu. Some will be resold in Kathmandu through a social enterprise retail store to raise awareness about the project and serve as a collection point.

Most of the clothing will be transported to women’s groups in Karnali. A shop hub will be established in villages. The hubs will also act as a multi-use community resource centre, an informal meeting place for the credit and savings group and a place where others from the village can sell their produce such as eggs, milk, bread etc. The hubs will represent a safe space for the communities that have experienced recent conflict during the civil war and will embody the Miteri spirit of living together. The profits from the clothing business will sustain the hubs and any surplus will be invested in the savings and loans group.

This model is scalable and can be established in different districts across Karnali as well as other remote areas in Nepal.

Impact

This model has several key impact metrics:

-          Number of women employed in sustainable livelihoods

-          Increase in women’s annual income

-          Tonnes of clothing recycled rather than thrown as waste

In addition, women’s confidence and empowerment will increase due to involvement in economic activity. The income and security will have additional benefits to their families health, welfare and education.

Team / organisation / partners

The Miteri Clothing business is run by AWON. Action Works Nepal (AWON) is an NGO embedded in the communities in Karnali with a deep insight and understanding into local needs as well as credibility and relationships across the region. It takes an integrated approach to rural transformation tackling women’s empowerment, education support, livelihood improvement and humanitarian assistance; for details www.actionworksnepal.org. Action Works will manage and co-ordinate the social business.

RadhaPaudel

RadhaPaudel, the founder and president of Action Works Nepal (AWON), has been described as “one of those people who just makes things happen.” During the civil war she went to Karnali and established a blood bank and a hospital for maternal surgery — the first in the entire region. After the war, she founded AWON on the principle of action over lip service, and assists primarily rural, poor and marginalized women to live dignified lives in a country still recovering from the civil war.  She has been internationally recognized by an N-Peace Award 2012. Click for details:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sqWYecI6PEE

and Women Peace Maker Award 2012, Click for details:http://www.sandiego.edu/peacestudies/institutes/ipj/programs/women_peace_makers/