KARACHI:
Menstruation is a natural process that majority of the women experience until a certain age. Lack of awareness about menstrual health and hygiene poses several health risks for women. It increases the chances of women contracting infections. In Pakistan, a significant proportion of women use unhygienic means to manage menstruation due to poverty, lack of awareness, and the existence of stigmas and taboos surrounding the subject. Research has revealed that a lack of awareness about menstrual health is both an urban and rural phenomenon. It comes as no surprise that most women in Pakistan live in poverty because of which they do not have access to essential products. In addition, many men do not accept menstruation as a natural process. This reinforces toxic attitudes towards women and their bodies. Ironically Islam does not stigmatise menstruation. It is the patriarchal culture that stigmatises it and consequently puts many in a vulnerable position.
There is hardly any public discourse on the subject. Patriarchy is deeply rooted in our society, and no efforts have been made to ensure that girls are educated about menstrual health at the correct age. Girls are conditioned to believe that it is shameful to talk about menstruation. Many mothers do not feel comfortable talking about it due to the heavy stigmatisation. Consequently, most girls grow up accepting taboos as norms. The state is abdicating its responsibility by not normalising it through curriculum and mainstream media. Resultantly, it further reinforces stigmas, and many girls view their bodies abhorrently. The stigmas have a negative impact on women. In addition to psychological distress, it undermines their self-esteem and self-confidence. The silence around menstrual health has further aggravated the problem. To support women better, it is important to initiate discourse about menstrual health and hygiene. The government also needs to provide better and organic alternatives. Discourse about the subject must be included in curriculums to raise awareness.
M Shahjahan Memon and
Aisha Lareb Memon
Kamber, Sindh
Published in The Express Tribune, September 4th, 2021.
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