Menstrual cycle is a natural phenomenon and is a core principle of reproduction. It is a cycle of 21 to 35 days, in which women experience hormonal chances. Starting from the first day of periods, the cycle extends to the initiation of the next episode.
The cycle is composite of different phases, menstrual, follicular, ovulation and luteal are to name the four, but the most commonly known is the menstrual phase.
Referred to as periods, this phase occurs when the process of fertilization and implantation does not occur, so the uterus gets rid of the lining it had readied in the anticipation of the fertilization. Periods are then remarked by the vaginal bleeding.
Suffice to say, the entire process is very scientific in nature, and carefully regulated, by the body, as your gynecologist in Lahore would also tell you. However, this natural process is subject to much stigma and consternation around the world.
Some forms of stigma around periods
There are various ways that period stigma manifests globally. A form of oppression, period stigma cultivates a mindset that disadvantages women, despite them having no role to play in the process. The entire cycle is not moderated by women but is as natural as it gets.
Some forms of discrimination and stigma faced by women include:
Removing them from the quarters
In some parts of the world, including the South Asia, women who are menstruating are removed from the family quarters. They are either removed from the house altogether, or they are locked up in a separate room. They are considered to be untouchable in their state, which is oppressive, to say the least.
Not allowing them in the kitchen
Alongside removing them from the family, menstruating women are also not allowed in the kitchen. The idea is that they cannot be made part of the process of cooking or meal preparation.
Lack of access to sanitary resources
Female hygiene products are often heavily taxed, which makes affordability difficult for women living in abject poverty. This also makes it difficult for women to access the required hygiene resources.
Shame
Another aspect of stigma is the shame associated with periods. Women are made to feel apologetic for the process and have to hide it like a cardinal sin. Considering the role played by menstrual cycle in reproduction, not only is the element of shame extremely unfair, but is very discriminatory as well.
How to change the stigma around periods
Ending the stigma around periods will not occur overnight, but steps need to be taken urgently to mitigate the issue. Some helpful things to do in this regard include:
Educate women about their rights
The myths and cultural norms about periods have also made women themselves unaware of how bad the stigma is. So, the first step is to educate women about the correct, biological system that underlies the process of menstruation.
When women themselves are armed about the correct information, it will be easier for them to protest against such an unjust system.
Positive discrimination
To undo the damage that has been done over the years, it might help to introduce policies for positive discrimination. Women should be given greater access to healthcare and feminine hygiene products.
Moreover, periods are not just about bleeding, but they also accompany symptoms like cramps, pain, digestive issues, mood problems etc. In such cases, getting paid leave, access to painkillers etc. also needs to be assured.
Educate masses about the process and the rights of women
Alongside women, the society at large also needs to be made aware of what exactly is entailed by the process of periods. It is vital that myths be debunked.
Unfortunately, the uneducated as well as the educated people, both are not fully aware of the exact implications of menstrual cycle. Hence, this education needs to be spread far and wide with the aid of doctors like a gynecologist, so the discriminatory practices can be curbed.