I read somewhere on the internet, ‘We are drowning in information but starving for
knowledge and wisdom,’ and felt this while I reminisced about one of the incidents that
happened during our ICFP(Integrated ConCurrent Field Practice) II. We have to study
Public Health Anthropology and Behavior in the 4th semester, in which we are more
focused on knowing about the public perceptions of taboos and practicing certain cultural
beliefs. As discussed in the group and with the subject teacher, we had included at least 4
questions relating to menstruation. The question was majorly inclined to know about their
perception and practice of the illogical practical that was kind of familiar in Nepalese
households and its practice.
While having the one-on-one interview with the household member, the response we got
was kind of transformative and inclined to progressive thought regarding the illogical
practice of menstrual beliefs. It felt like progress was being made; it seemed attitudes were
shifting on practices like restricting menstruating women from kitchens and labeling them
as impure as per their responses.
Yet witnessing the tradition firsthand of a woman voluntarily refraining herself from
entering the kitchen shattered us. What happened was that we had one on one interview
with a woman and while responding, she showed us the progressive thoughts on most of
the questions and we addressed the response the same way . After completing the
questionnaire, we asked if we could have some water since we were thirsty . Surprisingly ,
she called over her neighbor’s daughter to bring a bottle from the kitchen and explained, ‘I
can’t go into the kitchen during this time’ ;Ka janu kitchen ma nachhune bhayeko bela .My
friend and I stood there in silence, exchanging awkward glances, unsure of how to
respond.”
This experience revealed just how deeply rooted menstrual taboos are. People are aware of
it; they even discuss philosophically recognizing it as outdated.Yet, when it comes to actual
practice, these beliefs still strongly influence behavior. This incident underscored the
critical importance of Behavioral Communication Change BCC. Constant open discussion,
talkovers, sustained conversation may be the keys to overcoming the taboos and
encouraging people to view menstruation just as a Normal Natural Biological process