ERASING TABOO STAINS

You could call it a mere coincidence but I got my first period on Women’s Day. That’s right. I was only 10. Because of which, my mother was completely unprepared for the drama that unfolded by her clueless daughter who was convinced her kidneys had failed.

After a lot of mayhem, my mother sat me down along with my grandmother, and gave me a brief explanation about Menstruation. I was relieved that it meant my kidneys were still functioning normally; and that’s pretty much all I cared about that night. Little did I know how much I’d grow to dread and detest that time of every month in the years to follow. From dealing with its early arrival unannounced to period stained panties to excruciating cramps that would make me want to spell out every foul word I knew – every woman out there has shared the same experience with me.

But it could’ve been worse. It could’ve been a lot worse had I belonged in a household that couldn’t bear access to safer and hygienic means of getting through my monthly period. While I had the luxury of spending ample time in the women’s aisle choosing from an impressive array of sanitary napkin brands, there are young girls out there who use a piece of cloth over and over again, every month, eventually leading to all kinds of vaginal infections.

It must come to an end. Every girl, every woman has the right to go through a clean and safe period. And it is up to us- the privileged ones- to make it happen.

 

We have plans of distributing sanitary napkins to women and young girls who cannot afford them. We will be meeting on 18 March at Coffee Day New Be. If you’re in Bangalore and want to be a part of this initiative do get in touch!

– Neolene Richard

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Wonder Women World.