"My Activism: Frame of Reference"
It was my first day in an organization where I chose to volunteer as a menstrual hygiene awareness activist. I was told that our activities would be limited to the Kathmandu valley and I was very disappointed to hear that. As, we all know that the greatest menstrual taboos and traditions exist usually in the rural areas of the country and not in the capital city where people live under areas that are well lit, are literate, independent, and have less faith in such social taboos. This is the common misconception that we all have in our minds.
I could not come up with a different view at that point of time as I also came from the common socialization process that viewed menstruation as trivial and a matter of taboo. And because our textbooks and society had also failed to recognize this as a modern form of the menstrual taboo going on within our homes and societies. Society has always found its own way into making the menstrual process trivial and establishing it as a taboo. I grew up seeing female members of my family sleep separately and allowed in neither Kitchen nor Puja and temples when they shed blood, being a child out of innocence I would ask them what happened why they aren’t carrying out their daily chores and sleeping separately. All the time I used to get the same answer “Nachune Bhako” this is normal.”Nachune Bhako” the word itself describes how society has tamed us and women themselves to be considered ’inferior beings’ when they are in their bleeding phase of the mensural cycle. Menstruation actually is the reason because of which we are in this world and society seems to forget this fact. Similar incidents are occurring in our cities where no “Chhau Goth” exists physically but is immortal symbolically or mentally. Still today, in this 21st century, during 4 days of menstrual period, where women are in most need of physical care and mental support, they are considered untouchable. The irony is that, society imposes these traditions on their daughters and sisters.
We all would expect adolescents who are studying in the capital city of our county are better informed about the menstrual hygiene and awareness on dignified menstruation but the truth is the complete opposite. In schools where I took sessions on these topics, most of the adolescents were unaware of the topics and the major problem was that adolescents didn’t consider okay to talk about menstruation. Many adolescents had no idea about how to maintain hygiene during menstruation and about materials that can be used to maintain hygiene during menstruation. They didn’t have the skills and knowledge about the management of the menstrual cramps. They had little idea what type of diet is required. Most of them didn’t have any clues on proper use, frequency to change, and proper disposal of sanitary pads, clothes, tampons, and mensural cups. But they knew what menstruating women should not do, they could list them all: that a woman should not cook, touch, visit temples, attend festivals, etc. Who teaches them this, isn’t it? Us and our society? This is the status of knowledge on the issue of menstrual hygiene among the adolescents in the capital city. Ever imagined the scenarios in the rural areas where “chhaupadi” like tradition still exist?
But there is a hope of change, many of the adolescents do not believe in these menstruation-related myths and they don’t show any reluctance to change when these myths are challenged with facts. Moreover, they show compassion to challenge the existence of such practices. As every dark cloud has a silver lining, this shows that when youths are informed and educated, the taboos, misconceptions and ill practices regarding menstruation can be eradicated. Yes, it’s not easy but not impossible as well. Yes it will take some time but it will readily cease for sure. All that takes is a little effort. Change begins from you, me and then the world. Begin today and right now.