Leann Carla Y.

Mallare 12 Stem 2 UCSP ASYNCHROUS ACTVITY #1

STOP TABOOS FROM MENSTURATION

Menstruation, also known as a woman's "period," is a physiological process that

happens monthly in females of reproductive age. The endometrium, which is the
uterine lining, is shed during this process. Menstruation is an important aspect of the
menstrual cycle, which, though it can differ from person to person, normally lasts
about 28 days. The process by which the reproductive system gets ready for a future
pregnancy includes menstruation. The uterine lining is shed during menstruation to
make room for a new cycle if fertilization and implantation of a fertilized egg do not
take place. Abdominal pains, breast tenderness, mood fluctuations, and weariness
are just a few of the many symptoms that frequently accompany menstruation. The
severity and duration of these symptoms can vary from person to person. It's crucial
to remember that menstruation is a normal, healthy process that typically lasts from
puberty until menopause. It is an indication of fertility and good reproductive health.
It's important to speak with a healthcare provider if you have concerns about your
menstrual cycle because some people may develop menstrual abnormalities or
disorders that call for medical treatment. The historical, theological, and cultural roots
of the menstruation taboo are profound. It has been documented since the very
beginning of human society. The taboos and attitudes around menstruation vary
greatly from one nation and culture to another. Even though opinions vary across all
nations and cultures, they can alter with time.

Menstruation is still stigmatized in numerous nations. India is the first nation listed.
Menstruation has long been associated with several cultural taboos and stigmas in
India. People who are menstruating have historically been subject to restrictions,
such as being barred from temples or religious ceremonies. Women shouldn't handle
food or crops since they can bring bad karma to their families and communities. It is
believed that menstruation is unclean and impure. This myth's origins can be traced
back to the Vedic era, and it is frequently connected to Indra's killing of Vritras.
Because women are said to have shared some of Indra's guilt, it is said in the Veda
that the guilt of killing a brahmana-murder is said to manifest itself every month as
menstruation. The Hindu religion also forbids women from engaging in regular life
when they are menstruating. It is further considered that menstruation women are
unsanitary and dirty and hence the food they cook, or handle can get contaminated.
She must be "purified" before she is permitted to return to her family and daily tasks
of her life. Furthermore, it is thought that menstruation women are filthy and
unsanitary, which makes it possible for the food they handle or prepare to become
contaminated. Participants in a study by Kumar and Srivastava in 2011 also said that
the body generates a certain Odor or light during menstruation, which spoils
preserved food. Like India, Nepal also has a tradition of isolating menstruation
women, known as "chhaupadi." Although the government outlawed this practice in
recent years, it still exists in some regions. Due to inadequate water, sanitation, and
hygiene facilities in schools, 30% of female students in Afghanistan miss class when
having their periods. There is evidence that girls who are unable to adequately
 manage their menstrual hygiene in school’s results in school absenteeism. The
same situation also happens in many different middle eastern countries, where
women felt ashamed of their own bodies. They did not know how to clean it or how
to take care of it, they also did not understand the purpose of my menstrual cycle
because they did not receive any sexual health information at a young age. As with
the lack of knowledge women even use old clothes or cotton cloth as sanitary
napkins.

I would not have learned that menstruation is forbidden in some cultures if it weren't
for this exercise. I feel sad about how other women my age, younger, and older,
must cope with different situations on how to deal with menstruation after reading all
the stories regarding menstrual taboos. Menstruation is a common occurrence;
therefore, women shouldn't be embarrassed or hesitant about it. Instead, they should
just go about living their lives. Menstruation is a wonderful biological mechanism
occurs naturally. Women mental and emotional well-being may be impacted by this.
People become more at ease and assured about their bodies and experiences when
the taboo ends. Menstrual health might be misunderstood or uninformed because of
taboos, which can have a severe impact on people's physical and emotional
wellbeing. Breaking the taboo surrounding menstruation encourages open and
honest communication about menstruation between individuals, families, schools,
and communities. Open discussions about menstruation can help people better
understand their bodies, encourage early detection of menstrual disorders, and
encourage the use of safe and hygienic menstrual products. This creates a
welcoming environment where individuals may exchange experiences, seek
guidance, and gain access to crucial data and resources. challenges social
conventions that have historically silenced women and marginalized populations to
empower them. Eliminating the stigma associated with menstruation may increase
involvement in social, economic, and political realms. It may also modify laws and
regulations governing the use of menstrual hygiene products, access to restrooms,
and employment accommodations for those who menstruate. Ending the taboo
around menstruation is crucial for advancing gender equality, supporting menstrual
health, lowering stigma, fostering inclusivity, empowering women, and marginalized
communities, advancing education, and influencing policy changes that ensure equal
rights and opportunities for all people, regardless of their gender or menstrual status.
A woman’s period is a reminder of her body’s ability to create and nurture life.