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The menstruating Nepalese women confined to a cowshed

In parts of rural western Nepal, women are forced to live in cowsheds during their periods and immediately after childbirth.

The practice, known as Chhaupadi, is linked to disease and even the deaths of babies, who stay with their mothers in the sheds. But a local shaman – and some of the women – insist Chhaupadi is the will of the gods and cannot be changed.

Post Series: Nepal
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