In India, the conversation around menstruation has taken great strides in the past few years in the digital space. But as the access to internet is not available to low socio-economic, millions of girls are still denied the right to manage their periods in a dignified and healthy way. This issue perpetuates due to prevalence of gender inequality, discriminatory social norms, cultural taboos, poverty and dearth of basic sanitation services. Adolescent young girls may face stigma and social exclusion during menstruation.
Considering the central role menstruation plays in female biology, it comes as quite a surprise that so little attention is given to the subject. Team Maatrbhoomi can provide practical knowledge to assist girls and women in developing a positive view of their body and its reproductive functions by discussing the body and menstruation based on women's concerns.
In addition, research on girls' current menstrual attitudes and experiences within the cultural context are reviewed. Current research suggests that girls are not very knowledgeable about menstruation, and that menstrual education continues to provide girls with mixed messages, such as: menstruation is a normal, natural event, but it should be hidden. Girls' attitudes and expectations about menstruation are negatively biased and have been found to contribute to self objectification, body shame, and lack of agency in sexual decision-making. Although preparation has been found to be associated with more positive menarchial and menstrual experiences. specificity about what constitutes "good" preparation has not been well articulated
Menstruation is a phenomenon unique to girls. However, it has always been surrounded by taboos and myths that exclude women from many aspects of socio-cultural life. In India, the topic has been a taboo until date. Such taboos about menstruation present in many societies impact on girls' and women's emotional state, mentality and lifestyle and most importantly, health. The challenge, of addressing the socio-cultural taboos and beliefs in menstruation, is further compounded by the low girls’ knowledge levels and understandings of puberty, menstruation, and reproductive health. Thus, there is the need to follow a strategic approach in combating these issues. The project “Proud to be Women “aims to discuss menstruation related myths prevalent in India, their impact on women's life, relevance of addressing these issues in primary care and a brief description about various strategies to combat them.
We highlight consistent challenges and developed an integrated model of menstrual experience. This model lays directional pathways and may serve as a framework for program and policy development by highlighting critical antecedents and pathways through which interventions could improve women's and girls' health and well-being.
Adolescent girls need the support of their governments to provide adequate infrastructure, access to affordable sanitary products, and gender equity for them to manage their periods. Progress is beginning, as Haryana Govt. has taken initiative of sanitary distribution among school girls, though they still lack guidance and information to handle the situation.
Parents and wider family members need to be educated about their cultural traditions and superstitions, which might be unintentionally causing harm to women and girls. To establish sustainable social change, education is the key. All girls must be educated about menstruation and reproductive health to empower them to talk comfortably and candidly about periods and sexual health.
It is time to finally abolish the absurd silence and shame that shroud this natural biological event. Menstruation, a sign of good health, must be normalized, and celebrated.