A conversation around menstruation is surrounded by a plethora of taboos and a ‘not-so-frequent’ subject for discussion when it comes to the Indian context. This ignorant behaviour of our society has led to unhygienic menstrual practices, due to which incidents of reproductive disorders have become 70% more common. Amongst 355 million menstruators in India, only 12% use sanitary napkins, and that is when we’re on the more optimistic side.
Being a school-going student, the fear of ‘the leaky days’ constantly frightens me. As a student, I always wonder why menstruation and its multi-faceted characteristics are not a part of our classroom discussions. Is it not a health issue? Let alone menstruation, even reproduction is met with hushed-hushed tones. My mother always ensured that I’m aware of all the groundless stigmas that come attached with periods, both equally unwelcomed.
The drop out ratio of menstruators due to lack of proper toilet facilities in schools is one such disturbing question in an India that’s yearning to become a five trillion economy. Amid all these troubling questions, our Prime Minister talking about sanitary napkins, addressing the nation from the ramparts of the historic Red Fort, comes as a ray of hope wherein the taboo of ‘men cannot talking about periods’ is busted!
Various pioneering voices of NGOs including Goonj have been helping India combat this social as well as medical evil. Let’s open up, shall we? Menstruation is as natural as drinking water and so is purchasing a sanitary pad, so let’s make it as normal as asking for a bottle of water!