Let’s do away with meaningless taboos

The initiative incorporated the distribution of free sanitary napkins, too

A van called the Menstrual Health Express has taken off from Worli recently, with the express aim of driving menstrual taboos and fostering nationwide awareness for menstrual health and hygiene management. This van will traverse the length and breadth of the country, covering diverse regions and communities. The idea is to gain awareness and insights into varied cultures, practices, and beliefs surrounding menstruation and menstrual health and hygiene in different states of India.

The initiative incorporated the distribution of free sanitary napkins, too. Women have received specialised training for sustainable cloth napkin production. Several universities have also implemented period leave, giving allowance in the attendance required for students.

All this means that we are breaking the silence around periods. When you break a silence, it means you bring an ‘uncomfortable’ topic up for debate and discussion. This also translates into having the courage to look something in the eye, acknowledge its existence, accept that there are problems or have been problems in perception and treatment and lastly, seek to change the situation.

This also empowers women and girls to manage the cycles with dignity. Understanding means telling women this is a natural body function and one that certainly does not warrant any shame or discrimination.

There has been an attempt of late to address this through the powerful medium of cinema. This made headway in breaking stereotypes. Different campaigns will and should continue with the momentum, so that lives are improved. All gender issues are human rights issues, too, so everybody in society is benefitted with correct information. Talk to break the taboo.

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