A local unit in Bajura spends millions on temporary bridges which are washed away every monsoon
By Menuka Dhungana Bajura’s Tribeni Municipality is cut off for months every year due to lack of a permanent motorable bridge. Pregnant women, elderly, and sick most impacted.
Incidents of domestic violence unchecked in Achham
By Menuka Dhungana As many as 129 cases of domestic violence were registered at the police over the past 28 months. Many go unreported.
Fear of nearby deity bars menstruating girls from using bridge, studies hit
By Menuka Dhungana To avoid temple, Dailekh girls either use a broken bridge or miss classes, and the school fines them for absence.
Five decades old Achham district hospital struggles with crumbling infrastructure and state neglect
By Menuka Dhungana The hospital roof leaks throughout, and the facility is overcrowded, but authorities have ignored the problem citing funds shortage.
Menstruation taboo is keeping many Achham girls and female teachers from school
By Menuka Dhungana Students and women’s rights activists claim schools and officials are unwilling to create a conducive environment for girls in periods to attend classes.
Achham landslip victims languish in temporary shelter
By Menuka Dhungana It is not possible to send the landslide displaced people home anytime soon as the risk is still there, chief district officer says.
Achham Durbar reconstruction nears completion
By Menuka Dhungana The historical palace was severely damaged when Maoist insurgents bombed it in 2002 killing 122, including officials, security personnel and civilians.
Achham women’s ordeal of becoming entrepreneurs
By Menuka Dhungana Women Entrepreneurs Association says the tax waiver for industry registration, easy bank loans, and subsidies provided to women are being misused.
Chhaugoth demolition drive to resume in Achham
By Menuka Dhungana Besides demolishing menstrual sheds, local officials and activists will raise public awareness and take legal action against violators.
Girl raped in menstrual shed in Achham district, police say
By Menuka Dhungana Women are dying of asphyxiation or from snakebites. Many girls potential victims of rape in sheds over years.
Four years on, basic hospitals in Achham villages remain unfinished
By Menuka Dhungana Hospital construction was started in 396 local units across the country with a target to complete them in two years.
Elderly in outlying Achham villages trek up to three days to collect social security allowances
By Menuka Dhungana Efforts by some local units to distribute allowances from ward offices have faced challenges owing to resource crunch and poor internet.
Children from impoverished families missing school or struggling with attendance
By Menuka Dhungana Dropout rates and irregular attendance are high among girls, says Achham local unit official.
Child marriage and teenage pregnancies afflict Achham
By Menuka Dhungana Despite being outlawed, underage marriages persist. As teenagers elope and often get pregnant, parents are forced to arrange their marriages.
Chhau sheds reappear. Deep-rooted tradition, failed campaign blamed
By Menuka Dhungana Four years ago, a one-off campaign was launched by the government to dismantle menstruation sheds, but there was no follow-up.