“There is no shame in talking about menstruation and I’m glad we are discussing it now,” said Deepa Seshadri, a practising Chartered Accountant, while addressing the gathering at the C.S.I.School for the Deaf, Santhome High Road on Sunday.
She, along with hundred others from all walks of life, gathered at the school to participate in the Menstrual Hygiene Day awareness event held by Dhagam Foundation, a city based NGO.
“Menstruation is a normal human biological process, it is not to be glorified or vilified. And it doesn’t make us women superior or inferior to anyone. This must be understood,” she said.
Ms. Deepa pointed out to the taboo surrounding menstruation and said that terming a menstruating woman impure is a form of oppression.
“The moment you call a woman pure or impure, you’re sowing a seed of fear, as they then feel the need to be protected, everytime,” she said.
M.S. Chandra Mohan, founding member, Arappor Iyakkam, pointed out that there was no scientific evidence which shows that a menstruating woman can spread infections or create an unhygienic atmosphere and that it was important for all stakeholders in the society, including schools and colleges, to educate people about it. “It is time to break this barrier, which in the name of religion has only oppressed and isolated women,” he said. “The aim is to talk about periods, and educate people about menstruation and hygiene,” said M. Aakash, member of Dhagam Foundation.
