MENSTRUAL CYCLE | BREAKING THE STEREOTYPES |

Hi Folks,

Thanks for your support on my last such blogs. So, writing a new one today.

I would like to share a experience here from 2007 when I was in 8th Std. it was 'Summer Vacations' and all my cousins are sitting and watching TV. We thought to play a game randomly : We started from the TV ads, one said the next ad will be mine, next will be yours, next will be yours and so on.

1st ad: Dabur Chyawanprash and that cousin was extremely happy, the ad indicates I am strong and all.
2nd ad: 'Relaxo Sleeper' and we all made fun of that cousin and we all were enjoying and waiting for the next ad.

NOW THE 3rd AD: It was of Sanitary Pads unfortunately, we all felt embarrassed and WE NEVER PLAYED THAT GAME AGAIN :(

SO, JUST HAD A THOUGHT TO BREAK THIS STEREOTYPES THROUGH THIS BLOG

Even when we all knew almost everything in 8th Std but still felt embarrassed to see that TV Ad.

Why did it happened?

Just because of the stereotypes we were carrying in our minds learnt from our society and culture that we should not discuss it openly and it is not a good topic to talk about. But we, all the boys has already discussed in 8th Std. about 'PERIODS' in detail and may be we knew more than girls at that time. But we were not mature enough to discuss that openly, but now I am 23, so doing.

| You know, we always urge to know the things which we are not allowed to be known |

If we openly talked about it before, we wouldn't have stopped that game there. 'NO'

So what I am trying to state here is that we must spread the information about the Menstrual Cycle instead of hiding it. If you try to hide and not talk openly about it, it will ultimately create extreme urge. So just let your children know about this and tell them to behave normal on this because I do not believe that it is a BIG DEAL.

THEN WHAT IS THE BIG DEAL ???

Well, according to me the big deal is relating the Science to religions and cultures.

SCIENTIFIC REASON: The menstrual cycle occurs due to the rise and fall of hormones. This cycle results in the thickening of the lining of the uterus, and the growth of an egg, (which is required for pregnancy).

RELIGIOUS REASON: In almost all the religions practiced in India states that Periods is a CURSE. And it is a sign that a woman is impure, both physically and spiritually. She is not allowed to enter any religious place while on periods. Sad

WHY THE HELL ARE WE RELATING THE SCIENCE TO THE RELIGIOUS BELIEVES ?

The only thing which irritates me is that we are grinding Science and Religious believes on the same platform.

We cannot talk openly about this with our colleagues, or family just because of the religious stereotypes in our minds. To be developed, you do not only need to develop physically but mentally as well.

Why the boys can buy all the household items expect 'Sanitary Pads' and why it is bought by the ladies only and that too in 'BLACK POLYBAG.'

WHY THERE IS NEED TO HIDE THAT STUFF IN A 'BLACK PACK' WHEN EVERY HOUSE NEEDS IT.

So coming to the conclusion, just want to convey that we must take it EASY and we need to stop over-reacting on such topics so that we can set an example in the society that Periods are nothing but a general science and it is a sign of good health of a woman. Respect each and every women as they need to go on a week's bleeding, cramps and sleepless nights
-when we will achieve the above situation and start behaving maturely, only then we will be able to make a better world for women :)