Implementing status of National laws, policies and guideline: a study on situation of implementation status of National laws, policies and Chauupadi elimination guideline in Karnali, Nepal.

Research Report.

SUMMARY: 'Chhaupadi' is a deeply rooted socio-cultural practice followed in mid & far western region. In such practice, the menstruating women and girls are considered as 'impure' and they have to follow several restrictions and barriers. In many communities, the menstruating women and girls have to stay in isolated place like Chhau-hut, Cow-hut or separate room in the house. They are restricted to enter into home, consume nutritious foods, touch male or senior family members, use similar toilets and water taps, participate in social functions, and other essential daily activities. All these barriers and restriction are directly affecting the life and wellbeing status of women and girls; and ultimately impact on overall livelihood. While considering the 'Chhaupadi' as harmful practice, the GON promulgated a directive regarding its elimination it in 2007. Similarly, several development organization, local institutions, CBOs, and right actors are raising the voice against this mal practice; and working to address the issues related to such practices. Similary, AWON and BEE Group has been implementing an action in three districts of Karnali through financial support of EU. This research is a part of the project to assess the implementing status of national laws, policies and Chhaupadi elimination guideline in research districts; and exploring the understanding and knowledge of local people on the implementation of those policies and guideline. Further, it is expected that the findings should be captured as strategies for spreading knowledge among the local people on policies and guideline regarding to Chhaupadi; and strengthen the local institutional mechanism for its proper implementation. The research focused both quantitative and qualitative approach of data collection from 21 working VDCs of three districts: Julmla, Mugu and Kalikot. The sample for quantitative data were collected from 1892 participants (Kalikot 699, Jumla 660, and Mugu 533) which include both male (22.6%) and female (77.4%) as representative from several groups such as political leaders, school teachers, house hold head, youth leaders, traditional healers, priests, FCHV, adolescents girls, women and other general public. Similarly, qualitative information were captured through FGD, KII, groups meeting, consultation with district and local committee, and observation of real context. After the field work, the data were transcribed, tabulated, and analysed based on the theme of research; and the information were categorically analysed with their theme and sub-themes. As findings of research, it is explored that many of the points under the decision of the Supreme Court against Chhaupadi have been initiated, such as promulgation of guideline, declaration of Chhaupadi as a harmful practice and awareness raising activities, etc. However, some of the crucial points under the decision are not being implemented, like a comprehensive study and special attentions based on the study. Similarly, the implementation of the Chhaupadi Practice Eradication Guidelines 2007 is seen positive. However they are just indicative, not massively and substantially done. Additionally, the special committee is formed only in district level, which is not active. Thematically, the research has explored the following other major findings: The knowledge about Supreme Court decision, elimination guideline and its provision among the local people is poor. About 60% of respondent do not know about such provisions. Regarding the gender, only 37% of female have knowledge about SC decision and provision of guideline. Some VDCs have been declared as Chhaupadi Practice Free VDC. But many people (60%) do not know about such declaration yet. The people's perception towards declaration of VDC as Chhaupadi Practice Free VDC is positive. Predominantly 92 percent of the respondents agrees to declare their community or VDC as the Chhaupadi Practice Free. Based on the data, information and finding; the research further suggests the following recommendations for proper implementation of national laws, policies and provision in the research districts and in similar context  The policy interventions made by the state should be implemented effectively. And for this purpose, it is required to make the local government more accountable.  The district and local level committee (Chhaupadi Eradication programme implementation committee) is required to sensitize and build their capacity to plan and implement effective programmes.  Sufficient budget is to be allocated for the massive and aggressive interventions against the practice in local level.  The role of local level institutions (both government and non-government) can contribute for educating the locals on government policy and provision on Chhaupadi eradication.