Period Taboos in Rural Communities

What is menstruation taboo?

Menstruation taboos are ideas of uncleanliness or shame associated with periods, the specific duration in the female reproductive cycle when the uterine lining is shed, exiting the body in the form of period blood. Menstruation taboos exist in many cultures, shaping the actions of women in social and cultural traditions. 

The social impacts of menstruation taboos

Broadly, menstruation taboos contribute to the social subjugation of women through gendered stigmas, effectively ‘othering’ those who are biologically female. While menstruation taboos have widespread effects across many cultures, taboos can contribute to social isolation and exclusion from cultural acts or daily activities, due to ideas of ‘impurity’ associated with periods and women experiencing their period. 

These taboos can also feed into a lack of support for women’s hygiene and women’s health, creating pressure for women to hide their periods. The limited conversations around period health contribute to greater frequencies of women’s health issues, as healthy routines or abnormal warning signs are not discussed. 

How does this impact rural India?

Menstruation taboos are extremely prevalent in rural India; information travels slower to rural areas, and the relative isolation of rural communities results in less sociocultural blend and ideological spread. Period health is not often taught in schools, and in some communities, period health discussions within the family are not normalized. Additionally, the logistics of distributing and accessing some period hygiene materials creates a physical lack of some menstrual resources. 

How does this impact young girls?

As many young girls in rural areas are unaware of periods or the biomechanics of menstruation, the event of a first period comes as a surprise. This is often a cause of fear, as some young girls do not know why they are experiencing blood loss; many assume they are sick or injured. 

Making a change

Ongoing efforts to destigmatize periods and provide period resources are multifaceted. Government programs subsidize sanitary napkins in rural areas, aiming to promote menstrual hygiene by improving access to period care products. Some organizations within India advocate for decreasing period taboo, pushing for social change through the spread of ideas.

Soondra’s partner, the Milaan School, has a structured menstrual hygiene education program, serves to educate many young girls in India about period care. You can support our efforts at the Milaan School by donating here.