Interviewer - Samriddhi Sharma
interviewee- Ankita Singh
Interviewer - in India, menstruation is something that has been associated with tons
of stereotypes since the beginning of time it seems. What do you know about these
stereotypes
Ankita - Well, the kind of society in which we live in, a lot of taboos revolve around
menstruation and I am sure no girl has remained aloof from it. It has impacted every
girl. And society does not even realise the kind of impact these stereotypes and
restrictions have on young girls who is not even aware of the changes that are
suddenly happening in their life.
Interviewer - I absolutely agree with you. The taboo is so huge that in many houses, a girl is
not even made aware of the phenomenon of menstruation and talking about it almost remains
a sin. That's the amount of shame that people associate it with. Have you had some
experiences with it?
Ankita – as I said earlier, no one has remained aloof from it, including me. In my house,
none of the ladies are allowed to go to kitchen, let alone temple and sacred places while
menstruating.
Menstruation was not supposed to be mentioned in front of elderly people and no one was
supposed to touch things associated with my Dadi, but I have shown some resistance and now
one can sit with her, touch her things. It’s a good thing that slowly but surely, things are
changing. But this does not mean that all the stereotypes have been evaporated. it's believed
that if you go near Tulsi's plant, it will burn down. During the making of papad and pickle,
menstruating women are not supposed to touch them. I have also heard that in some houses,
there are certain rooms which you cannot enter while menstruating. These things hurt quite
badly and the fact that we have to bear them when we are already vulnerable is even more
absurd.
Interviewer - The taboo around menstruation is huge. People talk easily about gruesome
murders, drugs and even rape whereas talking about menstruation is still a shameful thing.
Interviewee – this is the sad reality of India. In rural areas, a girl is not aware of periods and
is left wondering on why is she experiencing sharp pain in her body, startled when she sees
blood stain on her clothes, assuming that she is was severely ill till she finally gathers the
courage to tell her mother about it who then hands her a sanitary pad and then locks her in a
room asking her to not touch anything. And suddenly the dawn of womanhood came upon
her.
Interviewer – my father once told me that it is believed that these stereotypes originated
because of the objective of providing women rest as in earlier times, most of women’s work
revolved around kitchen and puja related task. That’s why not allowing the women to go to
kitchen and temple have her much needed rest and was good for her health. But people now
forgot the real objective and subject women to stereotype without a reason.
Interviewee- all of this takes a great toll on a girl’s life. Even though the situation is improving
especially in urban areas, but in rural India the situation is still dire and there is scope for lots
of improvement
Interviewer- true!! We still have a long way to go. Individuals have a crucial role to play in
challenging menstrual stereotypes. By speaking out against stigma and advocating for
menstrual equity, we can help create a more inclusive and supportive society for menstruating
individuals
