MENSTRUATION- BEYOND TABOO
What is the need to make a girl feel inadequate because of her gender or biology? Why should we subject a young mind to the mental turbulence of dealing with physical change and a monthly occurrence which she cannot talk about, to the extent that she has to hide things such as the cloth that she is using?
Menstruation is a phenomenon unique to girls. However, it has always been surrounded by myths and taboos of society that exclude women from many aspects of socio-cultural life. In India, it has especially been taboo until date. Such taboos and myths impact many girls on their mental and emotional state and most importantly their health. Adolescent girls if not guided with proper knowledge and awareness may lead to mental trauma and fear over what is happening to them, combined with a sense of shame because of the age-old stigma around menstruating women. Research shows that at least 71% of girls in India do not know anything about menstruation before their first menstruation and 80% of girls miss school for three to four days a month, coinciding with the start of menstruation. Bad handling of period or improper sanitation can lead to various genital diseases still a lot of cultural factors work against women/girls accessing sanitary napkins, which stops a family from spending 30 rupees on an average for a growing girl, or women in the family – “It is not seen as a priority”. I think in my opinion the root cause of this is the issue of denial and hesitation of people to discuss topics like menstrual, reproductive health and the same. The challenge, of addressing the socio-cultural taboos and beliefs in menstruation, is further compounded by the low girls’ knowledge levels and understandings of puberty, menstruation, and reproductive health. Now between all these negative things we have many NGO’s who have come up with very impressing and much-needed initiatives like ‘SUKHAD PROJECT’ where they provide women with sanitary pads, educate them regarding menstrual hygiene and make all of us understand that ‘Periods’ and talking about the same is not a taboo. Along with this, they also sometimes decide to step further in ensuring proper menstrual hygiene of women with Sanitary kits (sufficient for them for 1 year) and making the underprivileged women ‘Aatm nirbhar’. This is the reason we should often try to engage underprivileged women in the production of these paper bags and paper envelopes so that these women can earn their livelihood from the same. Taking every step possible in helping society in every aspect. Let it be protecting the environment by using paper bags as a kit or helping the economy by creating employment opportunities for the ones in need. I am now officially a part of this journey and have decided to help all those underprivileged people. I have taken the oath to reinforce and change the perspective of people in rural areas about menstrual health and I also request you to be a part of the same. A small contribution can make a big difference in someone’s life and even in the society we live in. Let us make the difference and let us take a step further towards humanity
Saanvi Priya
Class XI
KR MANGALAM WORLD SCHOOL
