Moving Forward: Menstrual Health Discussions
Why are periods-talks still under the net? How to proceed…
As exact as it may sound, but when it comes to discussions, largely, in India – Periods are a full-stop. Also, while talking about ‘discussions’, it’s not merely about shattering the large-scale taboo but also understanding and implementing the (the following word is used conveniently by social advocates with regard to this space) “appropriate” ways to popularise Menstrual Health and Hygiene. As epidemical as this issue is, there have obviously been numerous movements and strong efforts by many for the ignition of social awareness, which can be referred to in order to understand the problem.
The Missing Link: Men in Menstrual Awareness
The fact that the need for awareness regarding Menstruation, among men, is palpable but still remains unaddressed, is of the biggest concern. Dads, brothers and sons need to be educated about menstruation not only for reducing the stigma, and enhancing the physical and mental health support for women, that is definitely the principal cause, but also to untangle the male comprehension of Menstruation, composite of myths and beliefs, so that the male members of the family receive the knowledge of dealing with menstrual health problems of women around them and importantly, the much evident, petulant behaviour visible in women during pre-menstruation days.
Education, Art, and the Limits of Indirect Awareness
“Different minds incline to different objects”; In academia, we do have lectures, books, chapters, etc. educating on this issue. Yet many might argue the effectiveness of problem solving through disciplines in formal education with respect to this issue up till now. In the past some years we have also seen a few films and other artistic addressals of the problem. Though there has been a longstanding debate – ‘Whether cinema influences Society or not ?’ – however, what is definite is that it can inform. Apart from these considerably indirect methods, there have been luminaries who worked assiduously for enlightening the laymen in this space, which cannot be unheeded. Unfortunately, over time these names turn into thingamajigs.
Young Boys and Menstruation: Evidence from Research
As for younger men or children, a 2024 experiment, titled “Menstruation and masculinity: Exploring the relationship between boys and menstruation”, which aimed at exploring the knowledge and attitudes of school-going adolescent boys in urban Jabalpur regarding menstruation, considering factors such as family structure and sociocultural practices, concluded that “there was a mixture of curiosity and embarrassment about menstruation, many were misinformed and lacked correct knowledge”.
Fathers, Tradition, and Resistance to Dialogue
For the Dads, the orthodox or conservative mindset in social issues concerning women especially “periods” isn’t very peculiar. Their “objects of inclination” consist – religious affairs, cultural beliefs, nostalgic traits and traditions and of course politics. Most of these objects are either in themselves resistant to the topic of Periods or have built their own perception of the same. While remaining cannot be put in the same room with such a sensitive subject.
The young generation or the GenZ – popular for their vocalization of serious topics, be it sexuality or mental health, has to step on. It has the strength to fuel the important issues when required. Even the ones stuck in a dogmatic structure, willingly or unwillingly are forced to listen to these voices. The ultimate age of technology and media must now be put to use to end this social stigma of unawareness regarding a fundamental process of life.
Those who have the privilege of pen and internet must not remain tacit on such issues and should initiate discussions. Combined efforts of Men – to break such social taboos and to provide support, and of Women – to stand upright, will help to achieve the divine goal.
