Article Written by: Lum Mesline (an AGYW)
To begin with, Menstruation is a natural process in which the lining of the uterus is shed along with blood, occurring approximately every 28days in women who aren’t pregnant. Menstrual flow varies in amount, consistency, and duration for different individuals. It is a very essential topic and aspect of life that needs proper attention more than that which has been offered. Poor menstrual hygiene can lead to crucial health issues, which in turns affects directly the rate of productivity (mental, economical, biological etc) in a Cameroon and the world at large and as we know if there is limited productivity, there’s no way consistent growth can become a reality. Hence the reason we are advocating, as adolescent girls against menstrual stigmatization as it directly implicates our level of productivity
WHAT IS MENSTRUAL STIGMATISATION?
Menstrual stigmatization refers to the negative social attitudes, stereotypes, and discrimination associated with menstruation. It involves the cultural taboos, shame and embarrassment that some societies or communities attach to menstruating individuals, leading to their exclusion, limited access to resources like hygiene products, and the perpetuation of harmful myths or beliefs about menstruation. The stigma can impact mental health, self-esteem, and overall wellbeing.
I write as one of the voices of adolescent girls and young women, to address a pervasive issue that affects half of our population but remains shrouded in stigma, (menstrual stigmatization). Menstruation is a natural biological process as earlier mentioned, yet its saddening how its clouded with shame, misconception and discriminations which ought not to be so. Throughout history society has perpetuated myths and taboos around menstruation, portraying it as impure, dirty, or something to be hidden.
Some of these taboos and myths include I will love to present for better understanding and clarity of the subject matter, this includes:
1) RELIGIOUS RESTICTIONS; certain religious beliefs may associate menstruation with impurity, leading to restrictions on women’s participation in religious activities during their menstrual period, which is really embarrassing and demoralizing.
2) SOCIAL EXCLUSION; women face social exclusion during menstruation, being segregated from communal activities, or even being prohibited from certain spaces. Women as well face workplace discrimination because of their periods. In some marriages, the husband go as far as refusing to eat food from his wife while she is menstruating , this is heart wrecking knowing the stigma is coming directly from the one you love. This too maybe as a result of the mindset the man inherited from his fathers, considering their wives impure and not fit to serve them food in that condition in order for them not to be defiled. there’s a need for proper education and enlightenment on this subject.
3) SILENCE AND SECRECY; In many cultures, discussing menstruation openly is considered taboo, leading to silence and secrecy around the topic. This in particular has made many young not being able open up when need be, some rather confide in their friends who are lost as well and others with bad motives, which has led to series of unwanted pregnancies because they were misinformed and some persons took advantage of their ignorance.
4) MYTHS AND MISCONCEPTIONS: menstruation is often surrounded by myths and misconceptions, contributing to stigma. This stigma leads to detrimental consequences, denying individuals their dignity, access to proper hygiene and equal opportunities. Some believe that menstruating individuals are “unclean” or that contact can lead to negative consequences.
5)LIMITED ACCESS TO RESOURCES: in some societies, there may be restrictions in accessing some essential resources like water, food, or communal spaces during menstruation, affecting the well being of menstruating individuals. Period poverty affects many limiting access to menstrual products due to financial constraints.
6) EDUCATIONAL BARRIERS: menstrual related taboos can lead to absenteeism amongst girls in school due to lack of proper facilities or embarrassment, which is not good for the girl child.
7) NEGATIVE LANGUAGE AND EUPHEMISMS: The use of negative language and euphemism to describe menstruation can contribute greatly to a culture of shame and discomfort.
Addressing these taboos is what we are advocating for, which involves challenging cultural norms, rooting education about menstruation, and fostering open conversations especially with victims of stigma in order to gain accurate knowledge and strategize to dispel myths and misconceptions. Breaking down these barriers is crucial for promoting menstrual health, hygiene and overall wellbeing and productivity.
It’s time to challenge this archaic beliefs and promote a culture of understanding and support. Education is the key. We must educate both genders from a young age about menstruation’s biological reality, fostering empathy and respect.
Some suggestions that can be done to reduce menstrual stigmitisation include:
1) EDUCATION AND AWARENESS: Promotion of comprehensive menstrual health education in schools and communities to dispel myths, provide accurate information, and foster understanding. Awareness will be good if it start from homes, parent should be able to sit their children and communicate this knowledge in the most simplified and understandable manner.
2) OPEN DIALOGUE; encourage open conversations about menstruation to break the silence and challenge societal taboos. Normalize discussions in families, schools, and workplaces.
3) MEDIA REPRESENTATION; the need for positive and realistic portrayals of menstruation in the media to counteract negative stereotypes and contribute to changing societal perceptions.
3) INCLUSIVE FACILITIES; Improve infrastructure by providing clean and accessible menstrual hygiene in schools, workplaces and public spaces.
6) COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT; involve communities is awareness campaigns, empowering them to challenge stigma and promote a supportive environment for menstruating individuals.
7) MENSTRUAL SUPPORT NETWORKS; ESTABLISH support networks that brings individuals together, organizations and activists working to combat menstrual stigmatization. Collective efforts can be more impactful.
8) EMPOWERING MEN AND BOYS; engage men and boys in conversation to foster understanding and support. This helps break down gender stereotypes and promotes inclusivity.
9) CULTURAL SENSITIVITY; Approach this issue with cultural sensitivity, acknowledging diverse perspectives and finding ways to challenge stigma within the cultural context.
10) RESEARCH AND DATA COLLECTION: conduct research to understand local beliefs, practices and challenges related to menstruation. Data driven insight can inform targeted interventions.
By combining these strategies societies can work towards creating an environment that respects and supports the menstrual health and wellbeing of individuals while challenging stigmatization at multiple levels.
Together, with the help of our policy makers ,we can end the silence, challenge the stigma, and pave the way for a world where menstruation is not a taboo but a natural celebrated aspect of human life as it should be.
