Mother and Grandmother Menstrual Practices – Nepal

We applied Collaborative Filmmaking to examine the intricacies of menstrual practices among 13 mothers and grandmothers in far-west Nepal over the course of two years. This study represents a creative investigation conducted as a component of the Dignity without Danger Study (PI: Dr. Sara Parker), funded by the British Academy.

The project was led by Drs. Sara Baumann and Sara Parker, conducted in partnership with Sushma Bhatta and Laxmi Dhital. The investigation directly builds upon a previous Collaborative Filmmaking study conducted with adolescent girls in the same village. Building upon our previous work, we aimed to expand the narrative surrounding menstrual practices and motivations by incorporating perspectives of different generations, specifically mothers and grandmothers living in the same community. This exploration seeks to fill gaps in understanding by delving into key practices, beliefs, and messages surrounding menstruation from the perspective of women who are often key influencers of menstrual traditions for their daughters and granddaughters.

The Collaborative Filmmaking project resulted in two films created by the community filmmakers:

•Stay Away – A drama that tells the story of a loved village grandmother who believes she has been cursed and fallen ill from being touched by a menstruating woman. 

•8 day journey – A documentary that provides a detailed look into the lives of women’s practices and traditions during each day of their menstrual cycle.

As a part of the creative process, the Collaborative Filmmakers also wrote and recorded their own music and lyrics to accompany their films. The songs add great depth of meaning to the filmmaking process.