There are many cultural traditions surrounding women’s health, especially to do with menstruation and whilst there has been progress, many women live in fear, undignified conditions and shame surrounding this normal part of our existence. Many factors influence how we view ourselves as regards to women’s health and particularly where it all starts- with menstruation.
Cultural and social practices regarding menstruation can depend on girls' education, attitude, family environment, culture, and belief.
Girls need to be taught early about menstruation and how it affects their entire life.
When girls know more about their bodies, what to expect and how to respond, they will then be able to talk openly about these issues without shame and fear.
We need to create an open atmosphere of trust instead of stigma and educate women on their bodies and how to manage their menstruation which will then help them later in life to manage their cycles, fertility, hormones and menopause.
We need to deconstruct the harmful myths that many cultures harbour such as women being ‘impure’ and ‘unclean’ when they are menstruating.
It is a normal part if life but hardly discussed and it is vital for young girls to know about and monitor their health. It is also vital for boys and men to be part of the process and educate them. After all men have mothers, sisters, wives, aunts, female work colleagues but periods are always seen as a girl’s and a women’s issue. There is a culture of silence around what women experience with their bodies and what they have to endure. Once upon a time in some historic cultures, a menstruating woman was considered sacred and powerful, with increased psychic abilities, and strong enough to heal the sick. According to the Cherokee, menstrual blood was a source of feminine strength and had the power to destroy enemies. In India women would be revered especially for the fertility, nowadays in certain parts of the world, the associations of impurity and menstrual blood has led to women being banned from kitchens, religious sites and other public spaces while on their periods.
These taboos and stigma do not lead to constructive, open and honest conversations about women’s health. Consequently many women from a young age then transition into adult hood feeling that they cannot voice what is going on in their bodies. They feel cursed, and live in fear, anxiety and frustration. More awareness has arisen in recent years with events such as menstrual hygiene day on 28th May and world menopause day on 18th October but there is much more that we can do to help young girls and women.
Mani Mukhija -
“Being a woman should be your supreme achievement
Not your deepest fear
Celebrate Womanhood
Fuel yourself with self confidence
And let that fuel empower you to
Soar towards your dreams.”