Let not menstruation be a taboo anymore

Menstruation is a normal and absolutely natural phenomenon of biological maturation when a girl crosses the threshold of girlhood and steps into womanhood. Safe menstruation is thus paramount for the health of women.
Despite this, open discussions on this topic are forbidden. It is sad that even women consider it as a taboo and shy away from discussing it in the public. Isn’t it a kind of gender inequality?

Since the process cannot be talked of openly, its management is also done under the wrap. This affects the reproductive system. Infection can lead to itching, back pain, abdominal pain, genital disorder, and even cervical cancer. It can also result in infertility. NFHS 4 and other surveys show:

● 24% of girls have to miss school during their menstruation.
● 52% of teenagers aren’t even aware of menstruation unless they experience it for the first time.
● 54% of girls learn about periods from their mothers. Unfortunately, 70% of these mothers consider periods dirty and unhygienic.
● Only 57.6% of young women in the age group 15 to 24 years have safe and healthy menstruation.

Surprisingly, even today, more than 20 crore women are unaware and inexperienced about a healthy period. There is a host of myths/taboo revolving menstruation in Indian society. Some of these include not being allowed to cook or step into the kitchen, not being allowed to go to school, remaining aloof and not getting in touch with men, not touching pickles, other sour foods, etc. Impairment of education pose as an impediment in the growth and development of girls. These myths also have a detrimental effect on their health.

Considering the facts mentioned, isn’t it a collective responsibility to discuss the misconceptions and myths in the society about menstruation and talk about it with teenage girls about to enter into puberty? It is their right to know about menstruation and to be able to discuss the need for safe menstruation with confidence in public.

Women and Child Development Department is running Udita Scheme, as a part of which, they want to know your thoughts on #MenstrualHygieneManagement and below mentioned topics:

● Ways to do away with myths and misconceptions prevalent in the society about menstruation.
● Ways to promote awareness among males including fathers, husbands, teachers, brothers, friends, etc, so that it is not an embarrassment for them. Explaining them the harmful period practices following which can have a negative effect on the health of their mothers, sisters, daughters, wives, friends, etc.
● Ways to encourage women to use sanitary napkins for health benefits and make napkins easily available for women.
● Proper ways to dispose of sanitary napkins.

Unhygienic menstruation can also be a leading cause of death. Let us participate in #MenstruationHygieneManagement and contribute to saving lives by sharing our suggestions and ideas on menstrual discussion, hygiene and thus be instrumental in breaking the taboo.