Sangita Khadka (photo above) is originally from Nepal. ‘A country where menstruation is seen as taboo and ‘chaupadi’ (also known as ‘chauppadi’ or ‘chhaupadi’) is still practiced in rural areas.’ This, among other things, inspired her to write this heartbreaking, but also empowering poem: Unbinding Shadows: A Poetic Tale of Period Equality.
– BY SANGITA KHADKA –
In Nepal’s hills where echoes ring,
A tale unfolds, a poignant thing.
Chaupadi’s shadow, a silent plight,
Affecting women, day and night.
In moonlit huts, secluded, cold,
A story of anguish, untold.
Periods bring a burden deep,
In corners where silence weeps.
Chaupadi’s grasp, a spectral hand,
Restrains like chains upon the land.
Women secluded, deemed unclean,
A cycle of shame, unseen.
Unequal echoes through each flow,
Period poverty, a harsh blow.
Sanitary whispers, unheard cries,
As dignity in darkness lies.
Beyond the hills, inequality thrives,
In chaupadi’s hold, hope survives.
Yet, mental strains and physical tolls,
In the silent screams, a story unfolds.
Break the chains, let voices rise,
A chorus of change beneath the skies.
Periods, a natural decree,
Shouldn’t bind a soul, but set it free.
About the author
Sangita Khadka: ‘I am hailing from the vibrant landscapes of Nepal and now making a difference in the Netherlands, stands as a proud Soroptimist and dedicated intersectional feminist. My commitment extends to fostering gender equality and advocating for water equality. I am also a member of Participatieraad Gemeente Losser.’ Earlier we published another poem about menstrual taboos on Period! Magazine: My Red Blood. You can follow Sangita via Twitter and Instagram.
More about menstrual taboos in Nepal:
Pandemic hinders period progress
In isolation due to your menstruation
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