India Problems With Menstruation

In India there are still some places where young women have very little knowledge about periods and there are many cultural misconceptions, like a belief that blood is bad and that if she touches something or someone it becomes impure.

womens aren’t allowed in the kitchen. They are not allowed to touch any fruit or plants.

Not being allowed to step into a kitchen means many do not eat properly. They might even be expected to sleep alone, often outside their homes, until they finished bleeding.

There are poor bathroom facilities and many resort to unhygienic methods to manage their monthly cycle.

Previously periods have been called ‘Ensoga’, meaning an issue people don’t want to talk about.

There are many other nicknames given for periods like Aunt Flo, Bloody Mary etc.

Girls who has awareness wants to change this so they go into schools and communities; and teach girls about menstruation and how to make easy reusable pads from local materials. They are environmentally friendly and free.

They also talk to boys and teachers about how they can support girls.

They explain how menstruation is natural and important for having children.

by distributing sanitary wear and basic sexual education. Girls said women often suffer during their periods, but they wants to help them feel free. Girls also helps to run a public health education programme that aims to challenge negative attitudes around menstruation.

Girls gives the goal of women sexual health education and of making eco-friendly sanitary pads which are sustainable and hygienic to help them manage their periods; giving women and girls back dignity and freedom.

We all should do our part in all this by spreading awareness about periods and tell people that YES! women bleed and there's nothing wrong with it!