Menstruation is a topic that is often hidden in silence and stigma, particularly in developing regions where people lack awareness and basic knowledge. For, adolescent girls, menstruation is not just a matter of health but also a key to unlocking confidence and empowerment. Lack of education around menstrual health can lead to improper hygiene practices, and health complications and even limit a girl’s educational opportunities. Gender inequality, lack of hygiene facilities, and cultural taboos, often leave the basic needs of girls unfulfilled. This blog explores why menstrual health education is crucial and how the Prazna Foundation is breaking barriers and transforming lives through awareness and actions.
The Need for Menstrual Health Education
Menstruation is a natural and regular biological process, yet the basic understanding of what happens in a woman’s body is highly limited. It’s a big change for a woman, impacting her physical health, mental well-being, and social participation. The word ‘Menstruation’ is surrounded by some kind of shame, leading to misinformation and harmful myths, due to a lack of awareness around this topic. Maintaining proper hygiene during menstruation is essential for preventing infections and ensuring overall well-being. We at Prazna Foundation, a Women Empowerment NGO working tirelessly for Women’s Menstrual Health, trying to boost the confidence of girls by giving them the right menstrual health education. This knowledge empowers girls to take better care of themselves and their overall well-being.
Breaking the Taboo
Periods have been wrapped up in myths and whispers for years. In many families and communities, this topic is considered ‘private’ or ‘impure’ topic. Instead of learning what happens inside their bodies, girls are often told what they shouldn’t do. This lack of information creates unnecessary shame and discomfort. Due to the lack of awareness around the topic of menstruation, they can feel isolated and uncomfortable which leaves them with many unanswered questions. When girls lack knowledge, they may not know the importance of changing pads regularly,
maintaining hygiene, or recognizing health issues like irregular periods. In some cases, they may even avoid school every month due to shame. In many communities, girls are being treated as ‘impure’ during menstruation which affects their self-worth. To ensure a healthier and more confident future for girls, it is essential to break the silence and normalize conversations around menstruation.
The Key to a Healthier Future for Girls
Menstrual hygiene is essential for every girl’s health and dignity. Poor hygiene practices can cause infections and discomfort, some girls even drop out of school. Using clean sanitary products (pads, tampons, menstrual cups, cloth pads), changing them regularly, and maintaining proper hygiene help prevent health risks. Schools and communities must ensure access to sanitary products, clean toilets, and proper menstrual education. By promoting awareness we can help girls embrace menstruation without any shame.
The Role of Parents and Families in Menstrual Awareness
In many households, it remains a topic of silence and discomfort. Parents, especially mothers play a crucial role in preparing their daughters for menstruation. Men should also be a part of the conversation to create a truly supportive environment. When boys are educated about periods, they become more understanding and help break the start of their first period, it will make them feel prepared, reducing fear, and uncertainty. By offering emotional and practical support, families can contribute to a society where periods are no longer seen as a shame, but a part of healthy life.
Empowering Girls and Women through Menstrual Awareness Workshop
At Prazna Foundation, we are committed to breaking the silence around menstruation. Through our ‘Kishori Project’ we conduct menstrual hygiene awareness workshops in government schools and slum areas where girls and women lack access to proper hygiene knowledge and resources. Our sessions include interactive discussions, myth-busting, and Q&A sessions with experts. To break the stigma around menstruation, we also educate boys, so that they can understand that it’s a natural process and they should support girls rather than shame them. We also distributed ‘hygiene kits’ that include many essential hygiene products along with sanitary napkins. Through our continuous efforts, thousands of women and adolescent girls from slum communities and government schools have benefited, gaining knowledge and access to essential resources.
Also Check: Period Hacks: Tips to Make Your Menstrual Cycle more Comfortable
