Breaking the Silence: Overcoming the taboos of Menstruation.

Ever stopped to wonder why something as ordinary as menstruation remains unwrapped in secrecy and embarrassment? Picture a world where even the most basic bodily functions are greeted with shame. From inadequate bathroom facilities to the scarcity of women-friendly restrooms, to those experiencing menstruation endure a daily struggle just to handle their periods with dignity. But why does society avoid addressing these essential needs? Are we satisfied with perpetuating norms that only serve to isolate and disempower?

Think about the shocking absence of proper facilities for disposing of menstrual waste, such as adequate incinerators. How can we expect individuals to manage their periods hygienically when the necessary infrastructure is simply absent? The challenges extend beyond physical accommodations; they encompass the deeply rooted myths and misconceptions about menstruation. Why do we allow outdated beliefs to govern our approach to a natural biological process; such as women and other menstruators not going to the farm to tend crops when menstruating in that the crops will dry up, or them being restricted to visit religious places of worship due to "uncleanliness," talk of the outdated belief of not burning used menstrual hygiene materials with a fallacy that it will cause barrenness? Isn't it high time we challenge these narratives and empower those experiencing menstruation to embrace their bodies without reservation?

   

A lady holding a sanitary pad and a tampon. Photo Credit: Bing AI    

 Moreover, the hush-hush attitude surrounding menstruation only fuels the cycle of ignorance and stigma. Why do we persist in whispering about something that affects about half of the global  population? It's time to break the away from the shackles of tradition and initiate candid, transparent discussions about menstruation. Let's forge a world where access to   proper sanitation is deemed a fundamental human entitlement    where myths and taboos are dismantled, and where menstruation is honored as a natural and wondrous aspect of life. After all, isn't it about time we cast off the veil of silence and embrace menstruation for what it truly symbolizes: a potent emblem of life and vitality?