Even later, I always felt dirty, each month when I got my 'periods'. We were five sisters and then my mother. Six women, taking turns, sitting separately, like untouchables, in our own home. I have always questioned all religious practices, much my Grandma's chagrin and irritation. But I never stopped. Somewhere over the years, I decided that this practice will not be followed in my own home.
When my daughter was born, I decided even when she was a babe-in-arms that I would teach her differently. On her tenth birthday, I taught the wonder of menstruation. I told her how thrilling it is to be a woman, to be the vehicle for creating a new life, to play a major role in pro-creation. I told her how without periods, it's not possible for a baby to be born. So much so, she began to look forward to growing into a woman, to receive her "chums" with open arms. And neither she nor I is a pariah in our home, during those three days. And no, God hasn't run away from our house. He's very much alive here.
And it's time to show the world how it can be.
Today is GLOBAL MENSTRUAL HEALTH & HYGIENE DAY! So, here goes...
PATH is going to be rolling out globally around menstrual hygiene
http://shesjustgettingstarted.org/
Please do take 2 minutes to look at the 'period to
possibility' video on this link.
We are inviting you to be part of a global campaign that will launch on
'Menstrual health and hygiene day'. While this topic is still a taboo in India,
there is an immense need to talk about 'Menstrual
health and hygiene'
Look at it this way: Imagine your niece, daughter, friend's child is
just reaching her adolescence and does not know about the menstrual cycle.
Imagine the shock she may experience on something different happening to her
suddenly. Imagine the shock you experience when you came of age (considering no
one spoke to you about it).
She is just getting started, Help us in helping her!
Also, find below some very interesting data points:
1.
88 percent
girls and women who menstruate use unsafe materials
2.
66 percent of
girls are unaware of menstruation before their first period
3.
70 percent
mothers think periods are dirty
4.
66 percent
girls and women manage periods without toilets
Handling a normal physiological
event is hugely complex, influenced by socio-cultural norms and the larger
political environment that shape how girls experience their periods, what they
can do while menstruating, what they can use to absorb menstrual blood and how
they dispose the material, whether and from whom they can seek information and
help, and even whether they stay in school or not.
The positive message for community
is / the appeal to your audience / take home message :
We can help give girls a greater
chance of success. With information, support, and access to affordable
menstrual care products, she’s more likely to stay in school and to grow
up confident and strong, so she can contribute to her community and the world.
But she needs our help. Why? Because she’s just getting started.
Nancy Muller's video on 'Why sanitary napkins?'
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