In today’s scenario, we are all showing extreme concern towards periods, related health issues, and awareness around the same. The openness is evident in the moves taken by each person in society to bring about essential change towards this crucial and critical aspect of women’s lives.
Breaking the taboo, actor Akshay Kumar, took to the silver screen to spread awareness on the sensitive topic of menstrual hygiene through his film “Padman“. Thus, sensitising the audience about the ill effects poor menstrual hygiene, which can even lead to life-threatening diseases sometimes. We are all well aware of this, right? But do we know about the person who revolutionized menstrual pads?
Mary Beatrice Davidson Kenner is an American most noted for her invention of “sanitary belt.” But societal discrimination and social norms prevented its adoption for nearly thirty years. She deserves credit for coming up with such a bold invention at a time when society was too ashamed even to mention periods. Being a bold person since childhood, she credits her father for her initial interest in this discovery.
Her mother would leave for work every morning through the squeaky door at the back of their house, and the noise would wake Kenner up. One day, fed up with this sound, she thought of inventing a self-made oiling door hinge. She was a little girl of 6 at that time. But the sincerity to complete and accomplish the task was nothing less than an experienced and a mature inventor.
People who ring a bell of change in society are worth being appreciated. But at first, their discovery is met with a lot of criticism. Still, when that new invention brings about a positive change in society, that’s when it turns out to be a game-changer in that inventor’s life. This pragmatic do-it-yourself approach by Kenner made her who she was destined to be.
Pressed under the massive boulder of the financial crisis, Mary couldn’t finish up her studies. But this challenge of her life didn’t steer her steadfast determination to bring about a change in society. She invented the sanitary belt with a moisture-proof napkin pocket, which was not used until 30 years after she developed it.
It was long before the advent of disposable pads; women were still using dirty cloth pads and rags during their periods. She came up with this fantastic idea of the moisture-proof napkin which was very adjustable as well as gave protection from bloodstains getting on the clothes. The company that first showed interest in her invention, later rejected it after they discovered that she was an African-American lady.
In 1957, she was finally able to save enough money to get the patent on her discovery. Between 1956 and 1987, she has filed a total of five patents for her household and personal items’ creation. She then went on to invent a toilet paper, a discovery which she shared with her sister, Mildred Davidson.
In this era of a new generation, we have become quite bold about these issues. Corporates, as well as many governmental organizations, have taken a stern step towards women’s protection and safety. Many voices are being raised regarding awareness about menstrual diseases. But menstrual hygiene for all is still a distant dream.
There is, of course, nothing to be ashamed of about these issues. There’s nothing embarrassing about talking pads and periods in public.