Menstruation is usually associated with many of the taboos which need to be addressed. This menstrual taboos leads women to social exclusion; ruling them out of many things. On this menstruation day we need to raise the voice against this taboos instead of following it which still exits in many parts of India. At least 23% of girls in India quit schools when they start menstruating.
In order to wipe off this taboos and help a girl child to continue her education; taboos are need to be addressed and they are to be eliminated.
Some of the taboos which still exits in India includes:
1) A menstruating women should strictly stay away from everything and everyone.
Reality: She can do all the things normally and can attend the school.
2) Women can’t enter the holy places.
Reality: She can enter the holy places even during menstruation.
3)Showering in 1st 3 days causes infertility.
Reality: Showering will not cause infertility.
4) Women will contaminate food and pickles if they touch during menstruation.
Reality: Food is not contaminated if she touches during menstruation.
5)Menstruation is considered as dirty and impure.
Reality: In fact menstrual blood is pure and helps in carrying pregnancy.
6) Women bury their clothes used during menstruation to prevent them being used by evil spirits.
Reality: Usage of sanitary pads is more hygienic than that of the cloth.
Strategies to Combat Taboos:
1) First and foremost strategy is to raise awareness in adolescent girls regarding taboos of menstruation.
2) Not only the adolescent girls but also the parents of the girls need to be educated and explained to eliminate the taboos.
3) Low cost sanitary napkins are to be provided and advantages of using sanitary napkins are to be explained over the cloth.
4) Sensitization of health workers, ASHA’s and anganwadi workers regarding menstruation biology must be done in the community for further dissemination of knowledge and mobilize social support against bursting menstruation related myths.