Menstruation occurs between the ages of menarche, when monthly cycle begins, until menopause, when it ends. The interval of menstrual period depends upon the individual, usually ranging from 25 to 35 days, and lasts for 4 to 8 days. For most, the period is one of difficulties with some even being admitted in hospitals due to various complications.

Around half of the population in the world comprises of women. This means that a significant percentage of people go through menstruation for dozens of years in their lives. Hence, most of us know that it is perfectly normal to have periods. But we tend to overreact when it comes to dealing with it.

The reason behind this reprehensible overreaction seems to be the ideological construct of our society. There is no denying that our perceptions are constructed by the way we are raised, taught and trained by our family and society at large. And when this ideological construct demeans women and constructs a variety of superstitions and prejudices to hold them on tight leash, they suffer from stigma and sub-standard treatment during cycles.

Few illustrations: Many young girls are detained from going to school during their periods. If girls miss four days worth of classes every month, how will they take their studies further? This will definitely obstruct their chances of competing with their male peers. Further, during the menstrual cycle, it is obvious for girls to frequent the bathroom.  But, the strict decree implemented by teachers and the feeling of shame among young girls make it difficult for them to communicate their problem. If only they had the courage to speak out, they would have been able to avoid blood stains on their dresses and wouldn’t have the need to hide it. And it would also spare their friends of having to walk around them, attempting to cover the mark.

This discrimination is more evident in far-flung rural areas than in cities where women are comparatively well empowered—both socially and economically. Most women in the cities are acquainted with sanitary pads, and use it when in need. But for women in rural areas, it’s a completely different story. The inaccessibility of sanitary pads there is not just a result of superstition, but it has a lot to do with the economy of those places as well. The minimum price for a pack of sanitary pads is Rs 45, which, for many rural women is just unaffordable. Hence, cloth replaces sanitary pads. A piece of cloth generally has a coarser texture and also lacks proper desiccating mechanism, which in turn causes infections and allergies. Further, since the material is a part of their culture and is cheap and easily available, it is very hard for women in rural areas to use proper sanitary pads. Some feel uncomfortable whereas others find it outright expensive.

Add to it the despicable culture which forces them to live in mud huts or animal sheds, ones that are erected hundreds of yards away from their residencies. Throughout the period, women are not allowed to face men. These temporary ‘rooms’ are far from hygienic and many tend to suffer from infectious diseases as a result. The state did enact a ban on Chhaupadi Pratha in 2004, but it’s still a thriving tradition in some

places.

Considering the frail health of millions of women in rural areas, the government should undertake measures to address the issue. Among others, lowering the price and improving the access to sanitary pads, running campaigns focused on the issue to raise awareness regarding the subject, and effectively banning ill practices such as Chhaupadi are some of the measures that the government and communities can work together to implement.

Thus the problems and misconceptions surrounding menstruation not only call for proper education, sensitisation and empowerment of girls and women alike, but also beckons cooperation and understanding from their male counterparts and the larger society. Plus, despite being swamped by numerous socio-cultural and economic problems and falling behind in terms of literacy rates, people in rural areas should do their best to abolish the taboos surrounding menstruation.

And next time, if walking home with daily groceries doesn’t embarrass you, then please don’t be ashamed to buy or carry sanitary pads, as you have no choice but to deal with this natural phenomenon every month.

Dhakal is an A-levels student at Orient College