Women demolish sheds during menstruation

Women in Nepal's far-western region have started destroying cow sheds where they are confined during menstruation, local media reported Sunday.

The tradition known as "chaupadi" requires women to be confined during their monthly periods, as they are barred from going inside houses or temples.

"We have already pulled down more than three dozen chaupadi sheds," Deepa Karmi was quoted by the Republica newspaper as saying.

Menstruating women 'impure'

Several women have lost their lives due to snakebites, cold or heavy bleeding during the time of isolation, while some have also been raped.

The age-old practice is said to derive from a Hindu belief that regards menstruating women as impure. Official figures say two dozen women are reported dead each year while observing the tradition.

Local women involved in the protest have also been going door-to-door to urge others to give up the practice.