Chhaupadi Assessment

Focus Area          : Far West Nepal 
Donor                  : USAID

NFCC conducted a Chhaupadi assessment for USAID/Nepal to identify best practices for the effective reduction of the negative effects of Chhaupadi tradition on women’s and girls. The geographic scope of the assessment was far and mid-western region of Nepal, where chhaupadi is widely prevalent. The districts selected were Achham, Kailali and Bajura. The objectives of the chhaupadi assessment were:

1. Summarize the status of chhaupadi through analysis of secondary sources, and identify main strategies being used to reduce or eliminate the practice of chhaupadi
2. Make recommendations with regard to the best means to reduce the negative impact of chhaupadi and maintain positive social and cultural cohesion
3. Build collaboration among government and development agencies on the best and most feasible means for reducing or eliminating the negative impacts of chhaupadi in the far western region.

Using various research tools like individual questionnaire, organization survey, key informant interview, observation checklist, focus group discussion data were collected. As a part of major outcome of the assessment NFCC presented a recommended program strategy for the mitigation of the negative impacts of chhaupadi in the west and far western Nepal based on the findings of the assessment and also collaborative workshop conducted with various development and government stakeholders.