Peer-reviewed article
Multiplicity of stigma: the experiences, fears and knowledge of young trafficked women in Nepal.
Tricia Ong, David Mellor, Sabrina Chettri ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001This study explored the reproductive health experiences of six formerly trafficked young women in Nepal using clay embodiment workshops and photoethnography. The research found that these women face multiple forms of cultural stigma beyond trafficking-related stigma, including stigma around menstruation, premarital sex, unmarried pregnancy, and having female children. These stigmas are rooted in Hindu and patriarchal traditions and are perpetuated by both men and women in the community. The authors recommend public health campaigns to eliminate menstrual stigma and other stigmatising cultural practices.
Key points
- Young trafficked women in Nepal experience multiple overlapping stigmas, not only related to sex trafficking
- Cultural stigmas include menstrual stigma, stigma for premarital sex, pregnancy before marriage, and having female children
- Both men and women generate and perpetuate these stigmas within their communities
- Stigmas are rooted in Hindu religious practices and the patriarchal value system in Nepal
- The authors recommend public health campaigns to address menstrual stigma and other stigmatising traditions
Limitations
The study involved only six participants and used qualitative methods, so findings cannot be generalised to all trafficked women in Nepal or other contexts. The research does not measure the quantitative scale of these stigmas or test interventions to reduce them.
Abstract
We undertook a reproductive health study on young formerly trafficked women in Nepal using a new research method - the Clay Embodiment Research Method - designed with their vulnerability and the cultural context in mind. Following a two-month period of participant observation, six formerly trafficked women participated in a series of seven themed (clay embodiment/three-dimensional body mapping) workshops and, afterward, a group interview using photoethnography. We discovered that these women are subject to cultural stigmas other than those related to sex trafficking, such as menstrual stigma, stigma related to pre-marital sex, stigma related to pregnancy before marriage and stigma for having a female child. These can have a deep impact across the entire reproductive lives of women. As a cultural force, the stigmatisation is generated by both men and women, and has roots that lie in Hinduism and the patriarchal value system in Nepal. Nepal is attempting to address some of these issues and we recommend a public health campaign to eliminate the practice of the menstruation and other stigmatising traditions.