Menstruation can cause anxiety, low self-esteem, and embarrassment, mainly when there is not enough information and support for first-time menstruators. For many, menstruation is a reason to miss school. They stay at home due to the lack of facilities such as sanitary toilets, menstrual products, period support from school staff, and a fear of stigma. As a result, academic performance suffers, and the student eventually drops out of school which then alters the trajectory of their life.
Menstrual hygiene awareness is related to hygiene. It’s about building confidence and protecting self-esteem. Teaching young girls and boys that it’s a natural bodily function for women and not an illness empowers the young generation, leading to lesser knowledge gaps, shame, and stigma.
Barriers to Open Communication about Menstruation
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1. Cultural Taboos:
Long-standing cultural taboos hinder open discussions. The silence starts at home and carries over into schools, where teachers and administrators often shy away from the subject. This leads to a lack of knowledge, leaving young girls unprepared for their first period.
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2. Educational Deficiencies:
Health education takes a backseat to academic subjects. Outdated curricula concentrate solely on biological aspects, usually leaving out emotional and social dimensions. A shortage of trained educators means the topic is frequently overlooked.
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3. Delayed Awareness:
Many girls receive little to no information prior to their first period. Mothers typically only bring up menstruation after it has already started. Mothers themselves also require education on safe menstrual products.
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4. Resource and Infrastructure Shortcomings:
Schools in rural areas often lack access to menstrual products, causing girls to miss classes. Insufficient facilities, such as restrooms, running water, and disposal options, exacerbate stigma and hygiene problems. Collaborating with NGOs and investing in hygiene infrastructure can help tackle these issues.
How do you teach students about periods?
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1. Normalising Periods Through Comprehensive Education:
- Teach students about menstruation using clear, inclusive, and stigma-free language.
- Focus on making it a natural and normal part of human biology by providing comprehensive information about the biological processes, emotional changes, and practical aspects like hygiene and product options.
- Tailor the content to be age-appropriate and relatable.
Teaching students about menstruation at a young age lessens the amount of stigma and shame passed on.
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2. Encouraging Open Dialogue and Engagement:
- Create a safe and supportive environment for interactive discussions, allowing students to ask questions, share concerns, and debunk common myths.
- Use activities, demonstrations, and storytelling to make the learning experience engaging and confidence-building, ensuring students feel comfortable and well-informed.
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3. Understanding Menstruation as Natural:
- Teach boys that periods are a normal biological process, helping them understand the science behind menstruation and its role in human health.
- Teach boys to be supportive peers and partners, breaking down stereotypes and promoting inclusivity.
Silence Is A Choice, But Menstruation Is Not
Schools have a moral responsibility to give girls the education, tools, and surroundings they require to succeed. Access to menstrual products and hygiene infrastructure in schools isn’t a luxury, it is a necessity. Closing these disparities will help women avoid having to choose between their education and health.
Helping millions of girls manage their menstrual hygiene is equal to investing in their future, which will allow them to fish their education and break the cycles of poverty and inequality. Every child deserves the chance to learn about their bodies and have mutual respect and empathy for their peers. That is why schools must take charge and prioritize the needs of their students.
Sources :
DW - Menstruation taboos are forcing girls out of school
CRY - Importance of Menstrual Hygiene Education For Girls in India
Ujaas - Menstrual Hygiene Awareness in Schools
