Whispers in Red: Stop the Shhh!

Girl 1: My back hurts a lot—and so does my head!

Girl 2: Why? What happened?

Girl 1 (whispers slowly): I have my period. 

Hush-hush... Not only men, but even women often shy away from speaking about menstruation. Many women experience the “walk of shame” while carrying sanitary pads. During my school days, I too carried a pad wrapped in newspaper, shielded by friends—as if I was smuggling something dangerous. That’s because most of us were taught to keep menstruation a “secret.”

Almost every woman reading this has experienced some form of alienation during their period. Some of the bizarre practices I have heard from friends range from mild (like “don’t bathe or wash your hair,” “don’t touch pickles, yogurt, or plants”) to severe forms of exclusion (separate utensils, bans on entering the kitchen in their own homes).

 Menstrual taboos may or may not stem from patriarchy, but they do suppress women. Each practice is often backed by spiritual or mystical reasoning (“a menstruating woman absorbs energy,” “she’s a living goddess—if she enters a temple, the idol’s energy will transfer to her,” or “menstrual blood is powerful and can be used for black magic”). These ideas are disturbing because they give an illusion of wisdom, legitimizing the untouchability menstruating women face.

If women were truly being secluded for privacy and rest, they would  be treated with respect—not like untouchables. For example, Ayurveda advises against pickles during menstruation due to their acidity and potential to cause bloating—not because a mensurating women will spoil the pickle!

Often, it’s not the physical pain that hurts most—it’s the social structure that keeps us in pain.

Can you imagine a world where menstruation is discussed as comfortably as we talk about the common cold? Sometimes we work through a cold, and sometimes we rest—both are socially acceptable. Periods should be the same. Every woman experiences them differently—not all have cramps or pain.

Yes, sanitary napkin companies want to change behavior to increase sales. But if that helps women break free from restrictive practices and educates men about this natural process, I see no harm. Talking about it is the first step to de-stigmatizing it—and it must start at home. Rather than hiding it, let’s focus on caring for our menstrual hygiene.

Have you experienced any strange taboos? Do you think period stigma still holds women back? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.