Nepal, Dec. 11 -- Menstruation, a biological process among women, is inextricably linked to social taboos and, often stigma, in Hindu tradition. Although social taboo against menstruation is prevalent throughout the country, it is most visibly harsh in the remote western villages of Nepal, where the practice of Chhaupadi has been killing women and girls.

According to a report by the National Human Rights Commission, there have been 18 reported cases of women and girls dying in chhau goths, 13 of them in Achham district alone, since 2005. In December, 21-year-old Parbati Budha became the latest victim to the deadly practice that simply won't go away.

To understand the practice and why it is stubbornly observed by so many families, you ha...