BY: AMLESH
“हमरा महिनावारी के समय बहुते जोर से बहुते पेट दुखाई छल, लेकिन हम इ बात अपन पप्पा स नई कहलियै । ओ बहुत ध्यान रखे वाला छथि, मुदा हमरा लाज लागै छेलै पप्पा के कहै लागी ।….”
“ I had Severe pain during my period, but I did not tell my father. He is very caring, but I felt Ashamed.”
This simple, heartfelt statement, shared quitely by an adolescent girl during a menstrual health sessions of SARATHI in the terai region of Nepal, captures a reality faced by countless girls in Madhesh. It is not a story of neglect, it is a story of silence, a silence that affects both physical and emotional well being.
Despite living in families with caring father or brothers, many girls shared that they feel too ashamed or fearful to share not only the menstrual issues but also reproductive health concern with male family members. One girl confided that even when she was in pain or needed menstrual product, they would rather stay home without asking help from any male family member.
This silence is not rooted as a lack of love, but in a deep-seated cultural taboo that equate menstruation with impurity, embarrassment and secrecy. Even when father or other male family members are supportive in other aspects, menstruation remains a NO TALK ZONE, limiting girl’s access to timely care and emotional support.
Why This Silence Exist in the Madhesh ?
This silence is deeply rooted in cultural and social norms. In many communities menstruation and reproductive health issues are still surrounded by stigma, and making open discussion, even with husband feel inappropriate or shameful. From a young age, girls are taught to talk about body related issues only with other women, while male family members are seen as outsiders to such “private matters.” Even in caring families, girls often fear being judged, misunderstood or blamed if they speak up. This is further complicated by most boys and men grow up without proper education on menstrual and reproductive health, which creates discomfort on both sides. Over time, this silence become pattern, passed from one generation to another where important health issue remain unspoken.
The Consequences of Silence:
Delayed medical care: increased risk of infection and complications.
Emotional Stress and isolation: girls internalize shame, thinking they must manage alone.
Normalization of pain: many assume suffering is a part of “just having periods.”
School absenteeism and educational impact: stress and discomfort reduce school participation and performance.
How Can We Break the Silence
Breaking the silence around menstrual and reproductive health require an inclusive and collective effort. One of the most important steps is to involve men in menstrual health education so that conversations become more normal and empathetic within families and communities. Menstrual health should not be treated as “Women Only” issue; rather it must be recognized as family concern that affects education, well-being, and overall quality of life.
At the same time educating boys from an early age play crucial role in reducing stigma and building long term understanding and respect. Creating safe and open space in school, communities, and peer groups further encourages open, honest, respectful and judgemental free discussions.
Together, these efforts can transform silence into support and help build a more informed and inclusive society.
“मधेश में किएक पीरियड के दाग बनल अछि लाज के कारण आज? कखन टूटत ई सोच, कखन बदलत समाज?” \