Menstruation is a natural biological phenomenon, but it is still a stigmatised and misunderstood phenomenon in India. Children, especially young girls, are subjected to restrictions and embarrassment when they experience their first menstruation because of entrenched period taboo.
Such beliefs not only contribute to a negative attitude towards menstruation but also restrict children’s confidence, hygiene learning, and general well-being. By shattering period taboos, parents, schools, and society can contribute to a healthier and better-informed world for young girls.
What kind of menstruation taboos exist in India?
In India, menstruation continues to carry a stigma and impurity attached to it. Menstruating girls are isolated from religious rites, temple ceremonies, and work in the kitchen. Openly discussing menstruation is discouraged in many families, forcing young girls to go through their first menses in anxiety and ignorance. Also, certain festivals further stigmatise menstruation, affecting mental and general health.
One of the most alarming taboos is the absence of menstrual hygiene information. In some communities, there is still the belief that using sanitary pads or tampons ruins a girl’s chastity and leads them towards unhygienic options like old cloth, husk, or even ash. The stigma is so acute that many adolescents are reluctant to request menstrual hygiene products or approach medical assistance once they encounter anomalies.
Pad bank by Madhya Pradesh Police reports that there are 355 million menstruating women in India. However, only 42.4 million women use pads/ menstrual products. Furthermore, 120 million menstruating adolescents suffer from menstrual dysfunction in India because of using unhygienic methods.
The absence of education on menstruation in schools only contributes to the issue. Most girls are ignorant of what is occurring in their bodies, causing them to be anxious and misinformed. Boys also learn myths and stereotypes regarding menstruation, further reinforcing the cycle of stigma and discrimination.
Dr P Dharaneedhar, MBBS, MD (Psychiatry), Consultant Psychiatrist and Assistant Professor, Kamineni Institute of Medical Sciences, Narketpally, Telangana says “Period taboo leads to feelings of shame and isolation, affecting children’s self-esteem. Lack of open conversation hinders emotional development. Breaking taboos prevents psychological burden on young girls and empowers them about their bodies, fostering confidence and a sense of belonging.”
How do parents teach children to fight period stigma?
Parents play a critical role in building a child’s knowledge about menstruation. Dr Shashank Jain, MBBS, MD (Pediatrics) suggests “Open communication and effective home education can help eliminate period stigma and shyness. Parents should start early (by age 8-9) and educate their children about menstruation. Talking openly prepares them for the upcoming menses mentally and physically and reduces fear.”
Start Early and Remain Scientific: Talk about menstruation in terms of normal body function. Making periods a standard bodily function like digestion or getting older may make it easier for children to take it as something normal rather than something to hide.
Encourage Open Discussion: Creating a space where children feel comfortable asking questions about menstruation is the beginning. Sons and daughters must be encouraged by parents to discuss periods openly to bring an end to gender-based taboos.
Set an Example: If mothers, sisters, and other female role models in the home talk about periods naturally and openly, little girls will feel at ease about their menstrual existence.
Challenge Cultural Myths: Menstruation myths are based on ancient traditions and not on scientific reality. Parents have to inform children about such myths and why they are incorrect.
Provide Proper Hygiene Education: Informing children about sanitary pads, tampons, menstrual cups, and hygiene is beneficial in helping children deal with their periods safely and comfortably.
What can schools do to promote periods more positively?
Schools can make a big impact in normalising menstruation as a healthy habit. Implementing such supportive policies and creating discussion forums can help students understand more.
Comprehensive Menstrual Education: Proper menstrual health education needs to be included in the school curriculum, not just for girls but for all. This will eradicate myths and help boys realize and support their female counterparts.
Accessible Sanitary Facilities: Well-stocked and clean washrooms with sanitary pads, disposal units, and privacy are essential. Schools should also provide sanitary products for free so that no girl misses school due to lack of funds.
Menstrual Awareness Campaigns: Organizing workshops and interactive sessions with medical experts can help eliminate myths and educate students about proper menstrual hygiene.
Fostering an Enabling Culture: Teachers should be sensitized to handle issues related to menstruation in a sensitive manner. They should never shame or discipline students for issues related to menstruation and extend support and advice instead.
Termination of Menstrual Teasing: Educational institutions need to adopt policies against teasing and bullying based on menstruation. Educating students about how to help each other as well as informing teachers about obnoxious behavior can be extremely useful in creating a caring culture.
End word
Breaking menstrual myths in India must become a joint campaign by families, schools, and society. We can bring a world where little girls are no longer ashamed of or hemmed in by their periods through free talk, dispelling myths, and ensuring menstruation products’ availability. Menstruation should be normalized as much as about shifting discourse as about empowering girls to love their bodies with strength and pride.
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