After the onset of globalisation, modernisation and education, people are becoming aware of periods. Yet, they remain silent on this issue. We debate on this over social media as well as academia, but fail to debate in our own homes with our family. There is a need to start a debate in our own family on periods, a social restriction that binds us to remain shush about something as normal as menstruation.
Television, social media and other means educate people about periods. Still, we stigmatise periods as untouchable. So, it is firstly a female’s responsibility, that they should think that it is as natural as any problem of a person.
Silently, periods are referred to as with various euphemisms: “Beemar hai”, “Un dino”, “Chhuai layak nahi hai”, “Pet me dard hai” (She is unwell, she is on her days, she cannot be touched, she has a stomach ache), but remaining silent is a bigger problem in our society. Periods do not lead to the path of shame or hesitation. It is not a matter of stigma, it is not a disease or a condition of untouchability. Yet, the Indian society has ‘periodically’ referred to ‘periods’ as impure and untouchable.
There are several myths and superstitions surrounding periods in our society, not to touch the Tulsi plant, not to touch a pickle, not to touch articles related to worship, not to participate in religious rituals like ‘kanya-pujan’ and so on. In most cases, both males and females believe in such myths and humiliate a menstruating woman, thus, leading to the woman suffering both physically and mentally.
In the name of purity, women are susceptible to face the double burden of society. First, a painful period and second, stigma due to periods. I am quite surprised that a woman works relentlessly during her periods but is stigmatised as impure. Periods are a natural process and it is no matter of shame.
Coronavirus is the talk of the world today. It is critical to be safe and take care of oneself. Equally, menstruation too is a matter to be taken seriously. There have been constant announcements regarding the symptoms, prevention and the casualty from the virus. But, can someone talk about periods? How aware are they of menstruation? Or menstruation and its allied diseases? How one can curb period cramps? Do they know religion and periods have no relationship, whatsoever?
I respect those who are aware and hold conversations on periods, but no doubt the number does not represent society. If only people were as aware of periods as they are of COVID-19. If normalcy is achieved in breaking the barrier regarding menstruation, society could possibly stop laughing and whispering about periods.
Till date, a woman of reproductive age is prohibited from entering the kitchen or temple while bleeding. Patriarchy teaches us that menstruation makes a female impure during ‘those days’. How can a woman become impure due to a natural process?
People hesitate to build a conversation on periods with their opposite sex. Even in the 21st century, such an orthodox mindset exists. They can watch Padman, but grimace at the thought of periods.
People need to stop stigmatising or demotivating menstruating women. Instead, they should help them out. Period pain is real and should be given equal consideration. It is scary to think of those rural women, working women, college-goers, differently-abled, mothers and all those for whom period is no joke. It is painful to witness people mock a natural process powerful enough to carry on mankind.
I must applaud those government initiatives that spread awareness on menstruation. A sanitary pad should be well within the reach of every menstruating woman. A change in mindset should be the need of the hour so that no male figure hesitates to bring sanitary products when in need. Change begins at home. Surely, it is difficult, but not impossible.