We all have heard of the saying 'When in doubt, wear RED'. Be it a big red bindi or that thick red kumkum on your forehead, Be that red dress you have saved for your interviews or that bright red lipstick you wear. The colour RED symbolizes confidence. This color exhibits and boasts itself even if you don't want to!
When RED is good and confident, why not about periods? Why is that alone considered a taboo still?
I go years back and it reminds me of how I saw periods too. Few of many reasons being 'told' that it's something to be hidden from men. Having brought up in traditional Tam-Brahm environment in India gave me the experience of having a secluded place at home with my own plate, glass, pillow and a mat during my periods. The water I drink was also secluded from 'other humans touch'. If someone walks into my patti's (grandmother) place she'll just roll her eyes and utter the word 'Dhuoram'(a Tam-Brahm way of telling people the girl's on periods) and they'll understand to stay far considering me as an 'untouchable' for those three days. Though it has a science behind it allowing women to rest and to be in perfect hygiene it was always considered as something you don't wish to open up about or something to hide. I still remember buying my napkins from the pharmacy completely wrapped in a newspaper and nearly put in a black carry-bag!!
But it's all different now. We all know what periods and PMS are and we also know that there are people who'd be googling about it 'right this minute'. It's no more a taboo or least we can believe so!
As the years passed by I seen a lot of changes and evolution to this whole topic. Women are more empowered, working and shit busy and really have no room to be 'secluded'. Even many families have loosened up on the practices. But somewhere, somehow like a faint voice this taboo still lingers on. But why?
More than this whole period thing, it's the hiding-my-napkin which is too annoying. Don't you think so? Every time we need to carry a napkin at workplace, either it has to be folded in a paper, or needs a separate pouch, or requires you to take your bag with you. And it's all the more embarrassing( or rather we feel so!) when a male team member asks 'Are you leaving home' seeing you carrying your bag from the cubicle. All we do is flush scarlet at the very question and just scoot the place like a little puppy!!
But why so much hesitation? Why such a shyness?
Yes, I've been there too. Just like YOU. Carrying napkins in small pouches or in notepads so that the men around me doesn't notice. Taking the entire bag to the restrooms when I wanna change because there's someone sitting in my cubicle. Hesitant to tell my male boss I'm on leave because of stomach cramps. Cancelled on my friend plainly saying I'm 'unwell' when there was a weekend plan.
But what we fail to think is 'they know everything' or atleast they just 'don't care/mind'. Its just us who make a mountain out of a mole. But this has to change.
You are okay when mom asks dad to buy napkins for her and you during emergencies.
You are okay when you brother helps compassionately knowing you're PMS'ing.
You are okay when you tell your boyfriend how bad is your stomach cramps and love the way when he says 'do take care'.
You are okay to buy your stuff at the pharmacies/ stores every time you need them from a male pharmacist.
But still it is difficult for us to discuss periods openly or to carry that damned napkin whenever and wherever we can. But how to be open about our periods and not smuggle the napkins anymore? Read on!
A girl on her periods every month indicates it's good for her. It shows she is in great health. The flow of the periods determines your strength. This is good. Thank good heavens for the stomach cramps now because it'll help you during your big times- motherhood. Be glad for who you are. For what you go through now.
Periods is not a 'forbidden' word anymore. Eradicate that ignorance by educating yourself on this topic, educate women and men around you. Educate your father, brother, husband, son, a friend, a co-worker so they also know it's good. Help them to support you better.
When you are aware of what this is, there'll be no more shyness, no more hesitation and no more hiding-my-napkin game. Free yourself from this uncomfortable cage that none have on you! Free others just like you. Lift your head high and fly freely.
Let's celebrate.
Celebrate the color RED.
Celebrate womanhood.
Celebrate YOU.
Let this be a beginning and let's together bring in this change. Let's help ourselves and let others help us by educating on periods and PMS. Let's use our freedom in the right way!
Labels: freedom, lifestyle, open up, Periods