To this day, even adult men have misconceptions, or, are unaware about one of the biological processes that occurs in women: menstruation. Let alone understanding, some families hand down misconceptions and myths surrounding it and do not allow girls to step out while on periods.
Telangana Social Welfare Residential Educational Institutions Society (TSWREIS) officials and other organisations are working with adolescent boys and girls in the State to teach generate awareness about menstruation, and dispel misconceptions without any hesitations.
After a girl hits puberty, eggs are released from ovaries every month. Alongside, the uterus lining becomes thicker as preparation to possible pregnancy. If the egg is not fertilised, the lining and egg is shed along with blood. This is termed as periods. Menstrual Hygiene Day is observed on May 28.
Balendhu Rashmi, programme coordinator at Rubaroo — a youth development organisation which conducts awareness sessions on female and male reproductive health, menstruation, pregnancy, for adolescent girls and boys in Hyderabad and Rangareddy, said that girls are taught myths such as being asked not to touch trees when menstruating as loss of egg is considered anti-fertility and trees are considered as fertile.
Food restrictions
“Some of them were asked not to eat non-vegetarian food, consume milk, though they need protein when menstruating,” Rashmi said.
She added that they talk to girls about sexual reproductive health by explaining to them the biological process behind it without censoring any words such as vagina. In the process, they also about male reproductive system, correlation between menstruation and pregnancy.
“Boys too are taught about female reproductive health. They are explained how can they be supportive if their sister or mothers are on periods,” Rashmi said.
