Kalikot, Jan. 15 -- Suchana Bhandari of Pulaha in Kalikot got her first period three years ago, at the age of 14. She informed her parents, who in turn told her that she must live in a 'period hut' outside the house for the duration of her period.

Since then, staying in a period hut once a month became a part of Bhandari's life. She saw the same story play out across the lives of many young girls around her.

"We were suffering. None of us condoned this ill practice; we knew it was wrong. But it was an uphill task to make other people, including our parents, understand the futility of this practice," said Bhandari.

In the last three years, Bhandari and her friends have been seeking ways to fight against menstrual banishment practised in...