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not interfere with a girl's education, most (88.1%) expected her to be restricted in her
activities and controlled in her behavior after attaining puberty. About 72.5% felt that
restnct~on was needed because others would pass adverse remarks. Some (18.1%) felt
that her mamage might also be affected. Yet, others felt that the girls on their own w~ll
control their behavior.
The following are some of the statements mede in this regard:.
1. "If she is reading or working she can continua to do that. At other tlmes, she
has to stay in the house. May be she can go to the temple with proper escort"
(A 30 year old man In an in-depth ~ntewiew). Many people expressed a similar Mew.
2. "1 don't think menarche changes a girl's lifestyle. Before menarche they do
some housework, watch N (television), wash vessels and help in cooking.
After menarche also they are going to do the same. Why should their life
change? (A 32 year old woman in an In-depth interview).
3. "Before rnenarche my daughter used to play around. ARer menarche she
remained in the house and was controlled in her behavior. She did it on her
own.
interview)
We did not tell her anything" (A 35 year old woman in an ~n-depth
4. "After menarche she should remain In the house. I wlll not allow her to talk to
strangers or outsiders. She can talk to guests at home. She can go to school.
If she attains menarche at 12 years itself I will allow her to play when others
are playing. I won't feel like telling her don't play. I will ask her to stop playing
when she is 15 years old" (A 35 year old man in an in-depth Interview).
5. "If she is not restricted in her behavior, mistakes will happen. The family's
name will be spoilt. If a bay makes mistakes, nobody will know" (A 40 year old
woman in a group discussion)
6. "Others wlll say, look at her behavior. She Is not trained properly. I wlll ask
her to remain in the house. Others should not comment on her behavior. At
tho tlltlo of lnnrriago pooplo will toll tho prospoctlvo groolti that lllo girl la
irresponsible. She just watches TV (television) and wanders around. The boy
will think she will not do any housework and go away" (A 32 year old woman in
at2 In-depth ~ntewiew).