A productive session was held revolving around menstrual health and its sustainable aspects. Mehreen hosted the session, with Dr. Abhinaya and Mr. Arjun as guests. Dr. Abhinaya is an obstetrician-gynecologist and a laparoscopic surgeon who started Project Pink Butterfly with her colleague to propagate awareness regarding general women’s health issues. Mr. Arjun is an associate of the Red Cycle program that strives to build a campaign around menstrual education to increase awareness among adolescents.
- What can we do to promote better menstrual hygiene in rural areas?
Mr. Arjun mentions 2 types of investments: monetary and social. Monetary investment should reach the targeted beneficiaries instead of heading straight for the pockets of corporations. Profit has a tendency to disrupt social movements. The discourse should include all aspects of menstrual health to make consumers aware of their choices, rights, and entitlements. Mr. Arjun also points out that there is no need to differentiate between urban and rural settings, as there is a critical gap in information related to menstrual health everywhere.
- How has COVID-19 affected menstruation in women?
Dr. Abhinaya mentions that COVID-19 has caused a lot of stress, which was reflected in menstrual cycles. Rumors claiming that menstruators should not take the vaccine surfaced too. However, those were debunked soon. Still, post-vaccination, some disorders were observed in cycles with unclear reasons. Due to the lockdowns implemented worldwide, people could not go outside. Therefore, access to menstrual products decreased, which also impacted cycles.
- The tendency to standardize menstruation
Mr. Arjun also points out the grave mistake people can make while standardizing menstruation. It should be seen as a contextualized process affected by region, climate, type, water availability, culture, and communication. Dr. Abhinaya also applauds the period leaves that companies give out. It promotes acceptance of the menstrual cycle in society.
- Sustainable disposable mechanisms and menstrual products
A proper, separate, and mandatory disposal system needs to be put into place which would solve problems on multiple levels. Dr. Abhinaya suggests some alternatives to plastic-laden sanitary pads. Menstrual cups are a friendlier alternative. Although organic pads and period panties also exist. Awareness about organic and sustainable products needs to be brought among menstruators.
- Corporate Social Responsibility
Mr. Arjun warns of corporates taking over tasks originally prescribed to the government. This may cause them to step into the political arena, which could be an enormous issue. It would also cause the government to step away from its responsibilities. That is one of the reasons the public infrastructure and education arena has not seen major improvements.
- Age-appropriate education about the menstrual cycle.
Mr. Arjun suggests the introduction to the menstrual cycle should align with the student’s learning of other body processes to not rattle their understanding of the human body. Dr. Abhinaya suggests educating menstruators about the abnormalities and available products, in addition to the biological process itself. Mr. Arjun points out the much-needed critical thinking in students. They should not be fed conclusive information, nor should they be told something to convince.
The session had something everyone could take away. The undeniable expertise of the guests showed throughout the entirety of the session. Safe to say, this session was a step toward destigmatizing menstruation and encouraging people towards more sustainable options.
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