Leann Carla Y.

Mallare 12-Stem 2

STOP TABOOS FROM

MENSTURATION
Menstruation, also known as a woman's "period," is a
physiological process that happens monthly in females of
reproductive age. The endometrium, which is the uterine lining,
is shed during this process. Menstruation is an important aspect
of the menstrual cycle, which, though it can differ from person to
person, normally lasts about 28 days. The process by which the
reproductive system gets ready for a future pregnancy includes
menstruation. The uterine lining is shed during menstruation to
make room for a new cycle if fertilization and implantation of a
fertilized egg do not take place. Abdominal pains, breast
tenderness, mood fluctuations, and weariness are just a few of
the many symptoms that frequently accompany menstruation.
The severity and duration of these symptoms can vary from
person to person. It's crucial to remember that menstruation is a
normal, healthy process that typically lasts from puberty until
menopause. It is an indication of fertility and good reproductive
health. It's important to speak with a healthcare provider if you
have concerns about your menstrual cycle because some
people may develop menstrual abnormalities or disorders that
call for medical treatment. The historical, theological, and cultural
roots of the menstruation taboo are profound. It has been
documented since the very beginning of human society. The
taboos and attitudes around menstruation vary greatly from one
nation and culture to another. Even though opinions vary across
all nations and cultures, they can alter with time.
 Menstruation is still stigmatized in numerous nations. India is
the first nation listed. Menstruation has long been associated
with several cultural taboos and stigmas in India. People who
are menstruating have historically been subject to
restrictions, such as being barred from temples or religious
ceremonies. Women shouldn't handle food or crops since
they can bring bad karma to their families and communities. It
is believed that menstruation is unclean and impure. This
myth's origins can be traced back to the Vedic era, and it is
frequently connected to Indra's killing of Vritras. Because
women are said to have shared some of Indra's guilt, it is said
in the Veda that the guilt of killing a brahmana-murder is said
to manifest itself every month as menstruation. The Hindu
religion also forbids women from engaging in regular life when
they are menstruating. It is further considered that
menstruation women are unsanitary and dirty and hence the
food they cook, or handle can get contaminated. She must be
"purified" before she is permitted to return to her family and
daily tasks of her life. Furthermore, it is thought that
menstruation women are filthy and unsanitary, which makes
it possible for the food they handle or prepare to become
contaminated. Participants in a study by Kumar and
Srivastava in 2011 also said that the body generates a certain
Odor or light during menstruation, which spoils preserved
food. Like India, Nepal also has a tradition of isolating
menstruation women, known as "chhaupadi." Although the
government outlawed this practice in recent years, it still
exists in some regions. Due to inadequate water, sanitation,
and hygiene facilities in schools, 30% of female students in
Afghanistan miss class when having their periods. There is
evidence that girls who are unable to adequately.
 manage their menstrual hygiene in school’s results in school absenteeism.
The same situation also happens in many different middle eastern countries,
where women felt ashamed of their own bodies. They did not know how to
clean it or how to take care of it, they also did not understand the purpose of
my menstrual cycle because they did not receive any sexual health
information at a young age. As with the lack of knowledge women even use
old clothes or cotton cloth as sanitary napkins.

I would not have learned that menstruation is forbidden in some cultures if it

weren't for this exercise. I feel sad about how other women my age, younger,
and older, must cope with different situations on how to deal with
menstruation after reading all the stories regarding menstrual taboos.
Menstruation is a common occurrence; therefore, women shouldn't be
embarrassed or hesitant about it. Instead, they should just go about living
their lives. Menstruation is a wonderful biological mechanism occurs
naturally. Women mental and emotional well-being may be impacted by this.
People become more at ease and assured about their bodies and
experiences when the taboo ends. Menstrual health might be misunderstood
or uninformed because of taboos, which can have a severe impact on
people's physical and emotional wellbeing. Breaking the taboo surrounding
menstruation encourages open and honest communication about
menstruation between individuals, families, schools, and communities. Open
discussions about menstruation can help people better understand their
bodies, encourage early detection of menstrual disorders, and encourage
the use of safe and hygienic menstrual products. This creates a welcoming
environment where individuals may exchange experiences, seek guidance,
and gain access to crucial data and resources. challenges social conventions
that have historically silenced women and marginalized populations to
empower them. Eliminating the stigma associated with menstruation may
increase involvement in social, economic, and political realms. It may also
modify laws and regulations governing the use of menstrual hygiene
products, access to restrooms, and employment accommodations for those
who menstruate. Ending the taboo around menstruation is crucial for
advancing gender equality, supporting menstrual health, lowering stigma,
fostering inclusivity, empowering women, and marginalized communities,
advancing education, and influencing policy changes that ensure equal
rights and opportunities for all people, regardless of their gender or
menstrual status. A woman’s period is a reminder of her body’s ability to
create and nurture life.