Achham, April 30 -- Religious leaders and shamans in Nepal's remote Achham district have pledged support for government efforts to eradicate Chhaupadi-the deeply rooted practice of banishing menstruating women-saying it is time to break with harmful customs and raise awareness across communities.

The district's Social Development Office held discussions with shamans, known locally as dhami, and spiritual leaders from all 10 municipalities, aiming to do away with entrenched superstitions that perpetuate gender-based discrimination. The move comes amid ongoing challenges in ending Chhaupadi, which continues in parts of western Nepal despite being outlawed by the Supreme Court in 2005.

Over a decade after the top court order, the Parliamen...