By Daiaphira Kharsati
& Nabamita Mitra
In this age of women empowerment, menstruation still remains a taboo. The topic is rarely discussed in public despite the fact that it is a natural phenomenon.
Menstruation is often considered ‘dirty’ in many parts of India and women are often barred from entering temples and kitchens during those days of the month. In Nepal, a menstruating woman is not allowed to sleep inside the house. This is ironic as menstrual cycle is the sign of fertility and hope for a new life.
In Meghalaya, especially in the city, the extent of the taboo associated with period is not severe but talking about it openly still remains a big challenge.
To break this silence and make women aware of menstrual health and hygiene, Lady Keane College in Shillong recently organised a discussion and health camp on menstruation and hygiene. Students of Class XII and degree courses were the active participants.
Dorothy Pakyntein, a student of Class XII, smiled when asked about period. “Yes we do discuss about period and the problems with friends but not with boys. I can talk about it with my mother but not with anyone else at home,” she said holding a packet of sanitary napkins. Packets of napkins were distributed among students during the programme.
Two doctors and three assistants from NEIGRIHMS and counsellors from the college were present at the programme to tell students about hygiene and why it is necessary to be more careful during period.
Khayingwon Kashung Shimrah, the general secretary, said most women here are open to talk about menstruation.
“We talk about period even with some of our male friends but the wall still exists. But there is a need to overcome that as it is a natural process. It is also quite painful for many women,” said Shimrah.
The young student said menstruation is something to be proud of as women bear children. “We give birth and that is the power we have.
Anjalee Shangpliang, a member of the Women Care Cell at the college, said the response was impressive. However, she admitted that students are still embarrassed to talk about period. “Some of them do not even know how to use sanitary napkins because they come from rural areas,” she added.
To a query, she said women in India are still lagging behind. “There is some restraint as they are not being able to speak out and discuss openly.”
She also raised a concern that there are students who are anaemic and do not know the right kind of food to eat which will build their health.
In rural areas, use of sanitary napkins is still not popular and women prefer to use clothes which often lead to infection.
Bharati Boro, deputy nursing superintendent at NEIGRIHMS, believes there is a need for women to know about menstrual health as during that time, “they undergo a lot of hormonal changes”.
Mood swings, depression, crankiness, cramps, backache are common during menstruation and until one is aware of these health hazards, “she can really get depressed”.
Boro does not think menstruation is a social taboo in this part of India. The mother of two, a son and a daughter, also feels that parents, especially mothers should provide basic sex education to their children. “Mothers have to be friendly with her children. I talk frankly with my son and daughter now that they have attained puberty,” she said as she highlighted the importance of sex education.
Christy Najiar, adolescent counsellor, echoed Boro’s views. “Menstrual health in Shillong is not a taboo and is openly discussed. Even boys and men do not have any problem. They should know because it is a natural phenomenon in a woman’s life. They should know about the changes and what happens to the body. Knowledge and awareness are important and there is no harm in talking about it. Knowledge is power,” she added.
But not all men in the matrilineal society are comfortable talking about period or discussing menstruation and hygiene with women. Two male staff in the college were left red-faced when they were asked about menstruation. Though they agreed that with time, there has to be a change in people’s mindset, they abstained from talking on the issue or giving their names because “in Khasi society, we do not speak about it openly”.
There are exceptions to all rules and in this case too, an exception was found. Sanchari Roychowdhury, a student volunteer at the event, narrated a story about one of her male friends “who is very understanding”. She said once the institute whre he studies prohibited menstruating girls from using the toilet and “he was furious and spoke up”.
Such examples show ray of hope. “The barrier should break and educated people like us should be in the forefront to do so,” said Shangpliang with conviction.
Shimrah, who was also the poster girl for the programme, said society is changing fast. “Some local pharmacies run by men helped us for this programme,” she gave an example to prove her point.
Women are the strength of any society and “for a woman to enjoy the glow of her skin, she must stay healthy and hygienic as nothing is more beautiful than a woman who is happy to be herself”, the young volunteer summed up the essence of the programme.