Campaign to dismantle Chhaupadi sheds launched in Kanchanpur

Kanchanpur,  In an effort to end Chhaupadi, a campaign has been launched to dismantle Chhaupadi sheds in the district. Chhaupadi is an outlawed ancient Hindu practice that banishes women to a shed during menstruation and after childbirth deeming them impure. The government has also criminalised the practice that has witnessed hundreds of death over the years. 
Under the campaign initiated by the Conflict Victim and Single Women Development Centre, a local NGO, in coordination with Bedkot ward office, more than four dozens Chhaupadi huts were destroyed in Bedkot 1 and 2, said the Centre's Chairperson Sita Bohara. 
"Chhaupadi is an ill practice which is outlawed in the country. We have started efforts to end this practice," she said. 
People from all walks of life have come out and joined the campaign. 
"A shed is built far away from the home. Incidents of rape and sufferings are rampant when menstruating women practise this tradition. Chhaupadi sheds should be pulled down to save women," said Hari Giri, chairman of Bedkot 1. 
An awareness programme has also been held, while a committee has been formed to end the practice at each local level. 
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