Promote Period Positive! – End Shame
Apparently, it is ungrateful of me to mention my period in public cause my actual biology of my body is too real.
It is ok to sell what’s between a women’s legs more than it is ok to mentions its inner working
the recreational use of this body is seen as beautiful while its nature is seen as ugly -Rupi Kaur
My question is why period is not seen like a normal thing?In many countries, periods are treated like curses. Girls and women cannot cook, touch the water supply or spend time in places of worship or public areas when they’re menstruating. Let me educate you that women’s make 50% of the population plus, The average occurrence of menses is merely 6 years in her life journey. So let’s talk about it, It lasts between 2-7 days after every 21-35 days and brings with a little set of vulnerabilities. Hence, the need for support to women and girls during this time of month is necessary .Support that might last about 37 year and approx 500 and more times in her lifetime. When in menses, it experiences different from one another. While, some women and girls have severe abdominal cramps, or are extremely middy, others experience no major limitations during their period. This is a completely a natural and normal process of the body getting rid of unwanted blood and tissue.
Silence on menstruation, taboos, beliefs and myths constitute a denial of freedom for women and girls. I know a friend of mine who was basically from a good family and who got married into a totally opposite one. I heard that in her place the period was a name of shame. I was astonished to hear about the fact that she was treated ill and was told to sleep on the floor with a dirty bed sheet to avoid dread and staining bed which they also collaborated by telling that “humare me toh aisa hi Hota hai.” I was amazed that the husband being educated and professionally sound, did not wanted to support her wife, asking her more to that she told its ok no one listens here, everyone feels uncomfortable. Adding to it, I even heard some stories were the mother would make the girl wash the entire floor stained because of getting the unexpected periods and running out of sanitary pads. People, It can happen anywhere and anytime it’s ok. But my question is do you ever tell your father, brother husbands or any male colleague to get you pads on emergency?
I still hear many “No” answers than “YES”.
For me positively, I stand by and say Yes, I did it and I consider no shame in it.
Everyone wants to objectify a women’s body but no one wants to talk about the pain she deals with, why is it considered something to be ashamed about .
A women’s body is fully on roller coaster Before the onset it will prepare and give signs that it is going to start. These are collectively called as premenstrual syndrome PMS, OR premenstrual tension PMT, as they are Emotional ,Psychological and Physical all at the same time. Symptoms include Abdominal bloating, acne, headache including migraine ,irritability, back pain, constantly feeling low and depressed, insomnia, lack of concentration, tenderness in the breast area & swelling, slight weight gain and to have a tendency to binge eat. Most of the time, these symptoms will disappear ASAP as the periods start where Sometimes they can continue into the full process too, they soon disappear as the next cycle begins.
Considering these symptoms above and the changes were a women is in a normal process of getting rid of unwanted blood, should she be considered impure and disrespected for it ? Myths and stigmas surrounding menstruation cause some women and girls to miss schools or work or go into isolation is sad. There is no human race without it. Menstrual problems don’t kill anyone, but for me they are still an extremely important issue because they affect confidence.
The key to overcome these age old taboos is through education and open culture. The knowledge of why menstruation happens, and what to do while starting ,helps remove fear and shame associated with the natural phenomenon. It also makes young women aware of their own menstrual health, and allows them to take charge of their hygiene. It empower them to see the natural experience it is.
*NOTE*Please find the article for the information purpose only it does not constitute any medical advice.
Author-Neerja Biwalkar
