It’s high time period education be placed at forefront to promote gender equality and empower next generation of women
My first period story
The bell rang, marking yet another clumsy day at school. It was the first period — Mathematics, which was my least favourite subject. It was a headache to memorise all the trigonometry values. But this time, I actually had a bad headache and a stomach ache too, for reasons unknown to me.
My friends tried to comfort me, but to no avail. In the middle of the class, my stomach ached. As I stood up, my friend from the back row held my shoulders and made me sit down. I asked her what the matter was and she responded that I had red stains on my skirt. I then realised that I had my first period.
The problem was how to leave the lesson discreetly, as there were many boys around me. The boys did not understand and would often make fun of such situations and I certainly did not want to embarrass myself. So, I told my friend to act as my shield from behind while I asked the teacher for permission to leave.
My friend held a textbook behind my skirt while I asked for permission to go to the washroom. She acted as my shield the entire time as we went to the medical room and fetched a sanitary napkin. But when we returned to class, I realised that a few boys had seen the stains and started to tease me and say hurtful things.
Looking back at this vivid memory, I wish I could have been bolder and less frightened to deal with the situation. If I had been calm about it, I would not have felt embarrassed at all.
This experience, though personal, reflects a larger societal issue. Menstruation is a natural biological process, yet it is shrouded in stigma and embarrassment. Societal attitudes towards menstruation can have profound effects on the mental health of adolescent girls.
The fear of being teased or embarrassed can lead to anxiety, shame and a lack of self-esteem. This is not just an isolated incident but a widespread issue that affects many girls during a vulnerable stage of their development.
Years later, when I worked in the field of menstrual hygiene, I encountered an adolescent girl who candidly asked me, “Why can’t I pray when I menstruate?” To this, I replied, “Who says you cannot pray?” She responded, “My mother says that I cannot pray.”
This interaction highlighted the deep-rooted societal stigma attached to menstruation. Such beliefs are often passed down through generations, reinforcing the cycle of shame and misinformation.
Read more: Menstrual Hygiene Day: Why dispelling stigma, promoting hygiene practices need govt intervention
While there are signs of change, more needs to be done. Educating both girls and boys about menstruation is essential in breaking down these stigmas. This education should not only focus on the biological aspects but also address the cultural and social dimensions, helping to normalise menstruation as a natural part of life.
The need for menstrual education
Research consistently indicates that society’s silence on menstruation plays a significant role in exacerbating mental health issues. Studies from various parts of the world, including countries like India, have highlighted the adverse effects of taboos and secrecy surrounding menstruation on women’s and girls’ health.
For instance, a sociological study emphasised how this silence aggravates mental health issues, particularly in cultures where these topics are engulfed in taboos, leading to adverse health outcomes for young girls. Furthermore, the research highlighted that this silence on menstruation underpins broader gender inequalities, rendering menstruation a non-issue and hindering women and girls from reaching their full potential.
UNICEF reports that 71 per cent of adolescent girls in India remain unaware of menstruation until they get their first period. This lack of awareness contributes to the perpetuation of myths and taboos surrounding menstruation. The stigma and secrecy are not only prevalent in India but also in other developing countries, where cultural taboos lead to misconceptions and negative perceptions about menstruation.
Read more: Menstrual Hygiene Day: It’s time for action
This widespread stigma is depicted as a social dilemma, challenging both the psychological well-being and social lives of women. Public discussions on social platforms like Twitter have been identified as potential means to undermine these stigmas, suggesting the importance of promoting open dialogues about menstruation.
Despite certain policies acknowledging menstrual stigma, challenges persist in effectively dismantling it, indicating missed opportunities for comprehensive action towards menstrual literacy and the elimination of stigma.
Even in cultural contexts, such as those explored from an Indian male’s perspective, societal silence on menstruation is connected with misconceptions that link menstruation to mental illness, exemplifying how deeply ingrained beliefs can contribute to mental health issues. The stigma attributed to ‘purity and pollution’ deeply impacts women’s rights and freedom, highlighting the need for societal shifts in perception and dialogue.
Moreover, studies have also considered the impact of menstruation stigma on men, showing significant gaps in their knowledge and acceptance, which underscores the need for education across genders to reduce menstrual stigma and policy resistance.
Menstruation is a natural process and it should be treated as such. By changing our attitudes and providing proper education, we can help girls navigate this important stage of life with confidence and dignity.
Studies have shown that girls in India often lack knowledge about menstruation before experiencing it, leading to feelings of fear, disgust and uncertainty. Lack of proper menstrual hygiene education can result in challenges related to menstruation affecting girls’ schooling. Additionally, poor menstrual hygiene is linked to significant health issues, such as reproductive tract infections and cervical cancer.
Read more: Menstrual hygiene: A challenging development issue
Therefore, there is a need for targeted interventions to raise awareness among schoolgirls, especially in rural areas, to improve their knowledge and practices of menstrual hygiene management.
Research indicates that early education on menstrual hygiene is essential to impart adequate knowledge and skills to girls, enabling them to manage their hygiene independently.
Furthermore, studies emphasise the importance of incorporating menstrual hygiene education into the school curriculum and health institutes to ensure that young women have access to accurate information and resources. Educational interventions have been shown to bring about positive changes in less discussed topics like menstruation among adolescent girls.
Need to teach them early
The need for comprehensive menstrual education is clear. Such education should begin early and be integrated into school curricula. It should involve both boys and girls to promote a supportive environment. Additionally, community-based programmes can help educate parents and caregivers, who play a crucial role in shaping attitudes towards menstruation.
Addressing the stigmas surrounding menstruation is not just about improving menstrual hygiene; it’s about improving the overall mental health and well-being of adolescent girls. By breaking the silence and providing accurate information, we can create a more supportive and understanding environment. It’s high time that period education be placed at the forefront of our efforts to promote gender equality and empower the next generation of women.
Read more: Menstrual hygiene management in India: Still a long way to go
The provision of menstrual hygiene education in India is vital to address the lack of knowledge, promote proper hygiene practices, prevent health issues and empower girls to manage their menstrual health effectively.
By implementing educational programmes, raising awareness and integrating menstrual hygiene education into the school curriculum, India can work towards ensuring that all girls have the necessary information and resources to maintain good menstrual hygiene practices.
Anwesa Dutta, is a National UN Volunteer, Program Officer for WASH, Climate and Environment with UNICEF Odisha
Views expressed are the author’s own and don’t necessarily reflect those of Down To Earth
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