Ah, the 21st century, where we have self-driving cars and reusable rockets, yet we still blush and stutter at the mention of a perfectly natural bodily function—menstruation. It's like we're stuck in a time warp where periods are whispered about in hushed tones or worse, shunned altogether as if they were bad omens from ancient folklore.
Let's face it: menstruation isn't some dark magic. It's a biological process that half of the world's population goes through, whether we acknowledge it or not. Yet, in many corners of the globe, from bustling cities to remote villages, it remains a topic so taboo that women are ostracised from kitchens and forbidden from mingling with their own families.
Ah, the paradox of devotion versus everyday reality. We flock to the Ambubachi Mela, where Maa Kamakhya's menstruation is celebrated as divine, almost a cosmic event. Pilgrims come from far and wide to witness this sacred moment, to bask in the spiritual aura.
Yet, back in our homes and society at large, we tiptoe around the very natural occurrence of menstruation like it's a scandalous secret. We'll queue up to witness the goddess "bleed," but it’s a taboo if a woman in the society dares to mention her monthly cycle!
In some places, the repercussions are downright medieval. Imagine girls dropping out of school simply because nature decided to knock on their door. In India alone, millions of young women bid farewell to their education annually due to inadequate menstrual hygiene facilities. It's not just about missing math class; it's about missing out on opportunities, dreams deferred because society can't handle a little blood.
And don't get me started on the financial toll. The cost of a pack of sanitary pads could send ripples through a family's budget. It's not just a hygiene issue; it's an economic one. In a world where we're preaching gender equality from rooftops, shouldn't access to basic necessities like clean period products be a given?
Let's talk about those commercials where blue liquid demonstrates absorbency. Are we still pretending periods are a secret science experiment? What we need is real talk, real solutions. It's not about selling pads; it's about selling dignity and education.
Oh, and the environmental impact? Sanitary pads are like plastic bombs in landfills, taking centuries to decompose. We're literally burying our future under layers of non-biodegradable waste. It's time to innovate, to embrace biodegradable options, menstrual cups, anything that doesn't scream "environmental disaster!"
So, here's the deal: let's flush the archaic mindset down the toilet. Periods aren't curses; they're not contagious plagues. They're a biological reality, and it's high time we treat them as such. Governments, businesses, NGOs—all hands on deck. Let's educate, innovate, and liberate. Because when half of humanity is held back by taboos, we're all swimming in the same stagnant pool of ignorance.
Let's bleed the stigma dry and usher in an era where periods are met with shrugs, not shame. It's not rocket science; it's just common sense. And frankly, it's about time!
(The author is the IGP (STF & Admin), Assam. All views and opinions expressed in the article are the author’s own)