2.1 Impure women in Hinduism?
In Hinduism, menstruating women are generally seen as impure and spiritually vulnerable. In the Code of Manu (Manusmriti) women are highly discriminated against (except for a few verses, in which they are honoured), classified as not independent and as a lower being than men. During menstruation women may not perform puja and have to take a purity bath after the period:
"[...] a menstruating female becomes pure by bathing after the menstrual secretion has ceased to flow." (Manusmriti V)
Reciting a Hindu legend, women started menstruation after Lord Indra severed the head of a Brahmin Vishwaroopacharya (2013 Bhartiya).
Even though goddesses play a major role in Hinduism, unlike any other religion, in most Hindu societies women have a lower status than men. Even Brahmin women become equal to the lowest caste Sudra during menstruation (find source). For Dalit women, menstruation can make them twice as impure, as a member of the caste and for being a woman.
The menarche (first menstrual cycle) is celebrated in some areas in India and Nepal, whereby girls receive presents at the celebration. This contradiction shows that women are expected to menstruate but at the same time are punished for it. A personal memoir from Assam, tells a story of a girl who is restricted from leaving the house, seeing the sun and to be seen by a man. After the menarche, a big celebration was held and she was married to a banana tree (Bhartiya 2013).
2.2 Equality in