Shedding Light on a Sticky Situation

Shedding Light on a Sticky Situation

by Elle Reisner.

Menstruation is a completely natural and normal biological process that nearly every woman experiences.  So why is it surrounded in stigma and silence?  Why are conversations about menstruation not as common as they should be?  

For starters, from a young age girls are taught to hide their periods, especially from men. This causes many young girls to feel shameful of something that is not only natural, but beyond their control.  This can cause self-esteem issues, and prevent a girl from fully embracing growing up.In addition to this, the media either completely avoids the topic of menstruation or portrays it using euphemisms, or delicate metaphors.  Why are we tip-toeing around something that is completely normal?  Should we not instead be celebrating this?  This is the impactful event that turns a girl into a woman, and allows her to create life!  Why do we place shame and stigma on such an event? Another thing contributing to the stigma surrounding menstruation is accessibility.  In many countries a heavy tax is placed on menstruation products, making it inaccessible to many people. For example, in Kenya, there is a 16% tax on pads, making them a financial burden. This discourages the use of pads while simultaneously reinforcing the idea that menstruation is shameful and something to hide.Pads are a necessity, not a luxury. 

They are necessary for a woman to 
manage her menstrual hygiene. They are comfortable while also absorbing menstrual flow, and preventing infections.  However, in many developing countries and even some developed countries, pads are considered a luxury, not a necessity.  As a result women are forced to use unsanitary alternatives such as rags, leaves, or even mud. This is extremely unsafe and can lead to infections that put their health at risk.We must prevent this by creating safe and healthy environments to discuss menstruation. We also must advocate for lower taxes on menstrual hygiene and ensure that women and girls can access the products and knowledge they need to manage their menstrual health.