“When I had my first period, I woke up to a blood-soaked linen, I was horrified. Number of thoughts crossed my mind, ‘Am I dying?’, ‘Have I caught some unspeakable deadly disease?’……… I panicked and tried to throw away the soiled clothes and when my mother found out about it and it is then I was told that it was a normal process and it happens to all girls of my age but I still remember the horror I felt that day.”

Anonymous

An experience that should be celebrated in every household, meets scores of women with horror, discrimination, isolation and depression.  What can be the reason that such incidents are still prevalent even after decades have passed after the ‘age of enlightenment’? Do we need to start a dialogue?

On 14^th October 2020, Caritas India and Global Interfaith WASH Alliance (GIWA) organized a Menstrual Health and Hygiene Management training for all, an inclusive training for everyone. It was for the first time ever in Caritas India, that such training was facilitated where men were invited to start a dialogue on menstrual health. This opportunity gave us a platform where the barriers, the stigma, the hesitation, all misconceptions towards menstrual health and reproductive health in general, had just begun to melt away.

The face of the training was a strong, untethered and a brilliant Ishleen Kaur from Water supply, sanitation Collaborative Council (WSSCC).

An empowering example was set through this meticulously thought out training module, from the Anatomy and Physiology of the female reproductive system to her methodical demonstrations of how to use a tampon and a Menstrual cup, their efficacies, sustainability and benefits were explained with proper rationale. The apprehensions of many, regarding the use of these products, changed as questions, doubts, personal experiences and stories started to pour in, slowly but yes it was a start.

She spoke about the emphasis on the role of men in the community where women still have to openly defecate and face shaming to carry out their simple daily ablutions, will have a definite influence on the attitudes of people. The dismantling of taboos around discussing a very normal biological concept of reproductive health, in general, is a necessity. The hush-hush around the word ‘menstruation’, has been a hindrance to women in managing their menstruation with dignity. Sensitization towards the needs of individuals with disabilities especially young adolescent girls, their needs and empathy become a social responsibility for all in a civilized society.

The discreetness around Menstrual health and hygiene hinders a safe space for women to discuss the challenges they face regarding their cycles and reproductive health. The repercussions of such a restrictive society which is not available to the plight of women are not only biological in nature but have implications that can cause severe self-esteem issues and other mental health problems.

Change begins at home. Let’s include and talk about Menstrual health, to the men around us.