Abstract:
Cultural taboos and stigma severely limit menstrual health management in many low- and middle-income countries. This paper studies how menstrual stigma is sustained in Nepal using a lab-in-the-field experiment with over 1,800 primary school children. A Donation Game measures support for ending menstrual restrictions under peer visibility and third-party punishment. While 60% fully support abolishing restrictions, peer image and peer punishment increase support, whereas sanctions by elders, especially elderly women, reduce it.
