THE MENSTRUAL HYGIENE DAY

THE MENSTRUAL HYGIENE DAY

Periods…Menstruation…- Call it by any name – it is the absolute taboo topic across the globe! Let’s try to put a period (.) to that!Even today, despite having known that menstrual fluid is nothing but a harmless mixture of blood, tissues and small amounts of hormones, the culture of silence around the subject keeps menstrual myths continues.

ORIGIN OF MENSTRUAL MYTH

The vagaries of present-day attitudes toward menstruation can be charted by the shifting definition of menstrual distress.

Twenty-five years ago, menstruation was considered a disability that hampered a woman's performance on the job and in the bedroom - it was irrefutable proof of female inferiority.

Fifteen years ago, the women's movement sought to dispel such stereotyping, insisting that women were capable of holding their own in the marketplace no matter what the time of the month might be.

Today, a new consensus is taking shape: People are coming to terms with this taboo topic – thanks to movies like ‘PADMAN’ and other such awareness movements. Society is accepting the fact that periods are a natural body function undergone by half the population on earth. Although men do not experience menstruation, it is also important for them to understand it in order for him and his partner to maintain good reproductive health.

Where did this cycle of internalized shame and ignorance begin? Here is the clue:

POPULAR MYTHS THAT LEAD TO MENSTRUAL TABOO

Now that we know how menstrual myths originated, let’s look at some of the most popular myths believed to be true in a lot of communities, along with logical/scientific explanations debunking these myths.


CONCLUSION:

A lot of these superstitions are behavioural restrictions that, aside from being untrue, contribute to gender-based taboos and discrimination across the globe.

It is a long road ahead for emancipation of women from the stigma of menstruation, but like any other hundred-feet journey, this too needs to begin with the small step of our breaking free from the taboo and shame and encouraging others to do the same by using the power of reason.

THE MENSTRUAL HYGIENE DAY

On 28 May 2014, MH Day was celebrated for the first time - to create a world in which every woman and girl can manage her menstruation in a hygienic way – wherever she is – in privacy, safety and with dignity.

MH Day offers the opportunity to create awareness of the right of women and girls to hygienically manage their menstruation – in privacy, safety and with dignity – where ever they are! Here are a few points to work on in the right direction:


Have you been made to feel uncomfortable because of your period? Please talk about it in the comment section with the #periodprejudice hashtag.

For the next article "There Are Some Signs & Symbols That Are Believed To Be Lucky Is It So?" Click Here



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