Bhopal: Throwing light on the importance of men’s participation in initiating dialogue about menstruation, social activists discussed strategies on World Menstrual Hygiene Day on Tuesday 28th. The event saw men come together to throw some light on the misconceptions about menstruation that they learnt in the absence of comprehensive education.
Neeru Diwakar of Ansh Happiness Society has been vocal about the need for men’s involvement in raising awareness and breaking the social taboo that surrounds menstruation. He said, “While I was growing up in Bhind, period was a shushed affair and still is. It was only when I moved to the city and started participating in activities fostering social change that I educated myself about it. It’s important to encourage boys from young age to sensitize them towards this issue to gather support.”
There is also a gap between the needs of rural and urban women. More than making better facilities accessible to them, women need to be asked about their requirements. Change-making has to be a continuous process in order to make it sustainable.
Maya Vishwakarma, popularly known as the Padwoman of Madhya Pradesh, told TOI about the need to break stereotypes around menstruation. She insisted on encouraging a curriculum that educates both boys and girls together. Vishwakarma said, “At a younger age, children are more sensitive and open to new information. As a result, when they hear about it later, they don’t feel uncomfortable.