“PERIODS! There, I Said It!”

Every month, millions of women worldwide face a depressing cycle of severe pain, cramps and mood swings when they bleed for five to six days consecutively out of a natural process called periods.

It’s 2021 and periods are still considered a shame in many societies. Girls are often ridiculed, isolated and humiliated for something completely normal and biological.

It’s High Time We Stop Shaming Girls About Periods

Girls today are forced to hide their periods in their school, homes and gatherings and are restricted to not discuss anything in this regard, not even to their female friends. When puberty is reached, many girls do not know about these cycles until the time comes when they bleed for the first time.

According to research, around 143,000 girls in the UK miss college every year due to the lack of access to sanitary products, or they feel embarrassed to ask for napkins in front of their parents.

This makes it very evident that not all girls are privileged enough to buy their sanitary necessities. Those who are, are somehow restricted or feel ashamed to expose this natural phenomenon in front of their family, even in front of the females of the household.

These concerns make it very important for governments and organizations to address this topic in public and to raise awareness among girls of their menstrual hygiene and how they don’t have to feel embarrassed about it.

Ways To Address What Is Otherwise Considered A Taboo

Normalizing period talk is one of the most crucial demands of the time. If you are willing to break down period taboos and look forward to the ways you can address this subject in public, we got you covered.

Talk About Premenstrual Syndrome. Normalize talking about the Premenstrual Syndrome. You know it’s not easy. Address the challenges you face even before your periods say ‘Hi.’ When you are annoyed, and your friends get angry with you, tell them what drives you mad, talk about body aches and nausea that are driving you crazy. Don’t just stay quiet, asserting that you have to remain silent; they won’t understand, that’s not their problem, no! Talk about this condition, let go of some stress. Believe me, until you start talking about such issues, you won’t be able to counter them.

Start From Your Home; Educate The Boys Of Your Family. As much as girls need to know about periods, boys should also know what girls go through every month. Don’t feel uncomfortable discussing this condition with the boys of your family. Tell your brother about the discomfort you feel, the pain you endure rather than being guilty of your own body. I told my brother about menstruation when he entered secondary school, so now if he sees a girl with a stain on her skirt, he goes give her confidence and all the possible help rather than making fun of her. My brother also helped me with house chores on a day I had severe cramps; he knew why, and this was his way of showing love and respect. Try this yourself too, and all you will see is extra care and support when you need it the most.

Ask People Why Menstruation is a Stigma for Them. People who feel shame talking about periods – ask them why menstrual cycles seem a disgrace to them. Address the issue and educate them about this matter and broaden their horizon to speak on topics like these. For them, it would be awkward at first, and it will take them some time to accept this issue but don’t lose your patience midway. Give them some space, and you’ll see some positive results.

Run A Campaign. To run a successful campaign you can craft slogans like ‘stop period shaming’ or ‘stop the period taboo’ and more. Run these campaigns on social media or distribute pamphlets, brochures, and other sources of information among your community. Another great way is to run campaigns that help women get access to sanitary products by distributing menstrual cups, tampons, sanitary napkins, and other menstrual products to the underprivileged in educating them about menstrual hygiene.

Say It Louder With Performing Arts. Many of us belong to the theater industry; this traditional stage performance is still loved and watched by many. You can add a glimpse of the menstrual conversation to this area and say it a lot louder. Louder doesn’t mean a loud voice; your message must be so meticulously designed that people can actually ponder upon it. The more they think about it, the more they will start to accept menstruation.

Communicate How Period Shame Deteriorates Women’s Mental Health. Let people know how period shame is hurting the sentiments of women. Tell them how their harsh words and period jokes deteriorate women’s mental health and make them feel guilty of themselves.

Be Pro-Women And Empower Others

If you support and normalize the period talk campaign, know that we are proud of you. ‘Normalize periods and ending stigma’ should be your favorite mantra. Keep thriving and keep inspiring. The transition won’t be swift, but we need to stay strong and keep working hard for ourselves and our fellow menstruators.

Author: Amanda Jerelyn

Edited by: Divya Rosaline