Imagine being a young girl going through adolescence with absolutely no idea what is happening to your body. You experience numerous physiological and psychological changes, yet the topic of menstruation is so stigmatized in your society that no one around you will explain it.
So there you are, trying to figure out what’s happening—absorbing things you may hear from your friends who, unfortunately, are just as misinformed as you are.
Now think about YOUR childhood—where your mother showed you how to use a pad and calmed you down when you had your first period, followed by your first period-disaster. Any doubts you had, she was there to clear. Any issues you faced, your doctor was just one call away. You knew the importance of menstrual hygiene and the repercussions of not taking good care of your body—or perhaps you never needed to because all the good hygiene practices you followed were ingrained into you by your parents since you were just a young child.
Here was our challenge: to explain periods and how to take care of your body to a subsection of society that squirms at the sheer mention of periods; to show them the importance of menstrual hygiene to over 200 girls who were eagerly waiting for answers but had no idea who to ask.
In our recent workshop conducted by lagori in association with Rotary Club of Mumbai Lakers, at Guru Nanak School (Vikhroli, Mumbai), we faced this challenge head-on. At the principal’s request to find a solution for this challenge, we invited Dr. Shilpa Saple, a renowned gynecologist, to address these young girls. Dr. Saple explained basic period-related topics, shared essential hygiene tips, and clarified any doubts and questions these young girls had. but it wasn’t as straightforward as one might think…
Creating a Safe Space for Learning
When catering to this subsection of society, we needed to be mindful of the words we used and the topics we covered. It was essential to avoid stirring up any wrong emotions or sentiments. We chose our language carefully, making sure it was respectful and sensitive to their backgrounds. We also paid attention to the visual stimuli we used, ensuring that everything was appropriate and non-triggering.
To make the girls feel comfortable and encourage open communication, we incorporated an anonymous question-and-answer session using chits. This way, no one felt embarrassed or hesitant to ask questions. Despite this, the girls were initially reluctant to participate. We had to reassure them that no one would know who sent which question. Once they felt secure, the doubts came pouring in.
Addressing Their Concerns
The questions ranged from basic to complex, highlighting the gap in their knowledge.
A lot of their questions were incredibly basic- questions like how to use a pad were common- highlighting a significant gap in their knowledge and showing how crucial such awareness is for young girls. Other questions were extremely specific to the problems they faced- giving them a space to have their doubts cleared about their health and bodies was essential. These girls had all these questions that needed answers, and they deserved to have their concerns addressed in a supportive and informative environment.
What We Covered
In the workshop, Dr. Saple, with her several years of experience, covered the physiology and anatomy of menstruation, hygiene practices, the value of good nutrition, and the normalization of seeking medical help when needed.
Dr. Saple further demonstrated how to use pads and emphasized the importance of wearing them correctly to maintain good hygiene. To make the session even more impactful, each girl received a packet of sanitary pads. This small but significant gesture aimed to ensure that the newfound knowledge could be immediately applied, and they could practice what they had just learned- reinforcing the importance of proper menstrual care.
Reflecting on the day, we couldn't help but feel nostalgic. It reminded us of our own journeys and how privileged we were to have access to such knowledge. Sharing these moments with the girls not only educated them but also allowed us to revisit and clear our own doubts.
Educating young girls about menstrual hygiene is vital, especially in communities where such topics are taboo. It’s important to create a safe and respectful environment where they can learn and ask questions without fear. Our workshop at Guru Nanak School was a step in the right direction, and we hope to continue making a positive impact on the lives of these girls.
By sharing our experiences and knowledge, we can break down the stigma surrounding menstruation and ensure that every girl has the information she needs to navigate this important aspect of her life with confidence and dignity.
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