How Menstruation Became a Taboo: It’s Relation to human rights
Throughout history, menstruation has been surrounded by taboos and restrictions. Stories of women being forbidden from entering temples, cooking food, or even entering their own houses during their menstrual cycle have been prevalent. In Hindu culture, it is believed that menstrual flow is a manifestation of the guilt of murdering a brahmana, as women are said to have taken the guilt of Indra upon themselves. This association of menstruation with evil spirits and shame continues in India, where women bury their cloth substitutes for pads to prevent evil spirits from using them. Moreover, discussing menstruation is considered taboo, contrasting with the openness found in Western countries. In India, the majority of females feel uncomfortable mentioning it, resorting to euphemisms like “feminine problem” or “that time of the month” instead.
Statistics reveal that only 12% of women use sanitary napkins, while the remaining 88% resort to unhygienic alternatives like cloth or ashes, leading to various health issues. In rural areas, the unavailability of sanitary napkins and the need for secrecy contribute to the lack of usage. Women are prohibited from sleeping in their houses, cooking food, or eating with their families during menstruation, as they are considered impure.
The Connection between Menstruation and Human Rights:
Menstruation denies women the right to lead independent lives, stripping them of their dignity by labeling them as embarrassing or unholy during their menstrual cycle. Human rights entitle individuals to live with dignity, but in the case of women, this principle is often disregarded.
Here are three examples highlighting the intrinsic connection between menstruation and human rights:
1. Subjected to abuse and violence: In many conservative areas, menstruation is seen as an indicator that a woman is ready for marriage and childbearing. Women living in extreme poverty may engage in transactional sex to afford menstrual products.
2. Financial independence is targeted: Superstitions associated with menstruation prevent women from working during their cycle, jeopardizing their financial independence.
3. Discrimination: Women are often considered weak and submissive due to their ability to menstruate, leading to missed opportunities and gender inequality in various professions. In reality, women are perfectly capable of achieving their goals despite menstruation.
Prevention and Solutions:
To address these issues, several measures can be taken:
1. Popularizing the methods proposed by Arunachalam Muruganantham, the “pad man of India,” and ensuring free distribution of sanitary napkins in schools and rural areas.
2. Replicating campaigns like “Chuppi todo, Sayani Bano” in Rajasthan nationwide.
3. Educating more people about menstruation, its process, and its significance.
4. Providing paid leaves for women similar to maternity leave in their workplaces.
5. Encouraging media to openly discuss and highlight menstruation, serving as a catalyst for broader societal acceptance.
6. Holding men accountable for discriminatory and inhumane acts against women during menstruation through appropriate punishment.
By addressing these issues, we can strive for a society that respects and supports women during menstruation, promoting equality and upholding their fundamental human rights.
