Women During Periods: A study published in the Lancet Global Health Journal shows that about 20 percent (every fifth) women or girls in South Asia stay away from regular activities during menstruation. This study report can be seen in two ways. First, keeping in mind the health problem of women during menstruation, they need rest, in such a situation it is better to stay away from regular activities.

However, the second idea is in the context of India, where people with conservative thinking see menstruation as untouchable or a problem. During menstruation or menses, women are prohibited from staying away from household activities, going to the prayer room or kitchen, etc. Even though it also started from the point of view of women's health, later it started being linked to untouchable, impure.

Beliefs related to menstruation in the context of India

What has been said in the study published in the Lancet Global Health Journal matches many Indian surveys and reports. Looking at the social and cultural beliefs related to menstruation in India, it seems to be true to a large extent.

There are many reasons for abstaining from activities during menstruation in India, of which social and religious restrictions are a major reason. In many places in India, women are prevented from participating in temples, kitchens, and some family activities during menstruation.

Debate on menstruation in Sanatan Dharma

Intellectuals associated with Sanatan Dharma also have different views regarding untouchability during menstruation, which has led to many controversies. A few months ago, motivational speaker Jaya Kishori gave a frank opinion on menstruation. She said that if the bleeding that women experience during menstruation is dirty blood and due to this it is considered untouchable, then if a mother nourishes the child with this blood during pregnancy, then every human being is untouchable. However, many storytellers including Devkinandan Thakur, Premanand Ji Maharaj gave different views.

Other reasons

Reports from UNICEF and other organizations show that many girls do not go to school during periods, especially in rural areas where sanitation facilities are inadequate. According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) and other reports, many women do not have access to sanitary pads or safe menstrual management tools, which prevents them from going out of the house.

Inadequate sanitation facilities for women

Recent reports show that only 57.6% of women in India have access to safe menstrual products (sanitary pads, tampons), while this number is even lower in rural areas. Reports from several organizations say that about 23% of girls drop out of school due to a lack of menstrual hygiene.

Some differences between cities and villages

In India, it is a reality that every fifth woman or girl stays away from normal activities due to social and economic barriers related to menstruation. Although this trend is decreasing in cities and educated families, this problem persists in rural and traditional societies.

Efforts for change

Awareness campaigns are being run by the government and many non-governmental organizations, such as the initiative to provide cheap sanitary napkins, and films and campaigns such as "Padman" have brought the subject into the mainstream. Women and adolescents staying away from regular activities during menstruation can have both positive and negative effects on their health, education and social life.

Positive effects

If we talk about its benefits, some women feel cramps, headaches, and fatigue during menstruation. In such a situation, resting gives relief to their body. By maintaining proper diet and hygiene during such days, infection and weakness can be prevented. If women rest, meditate, and do yoga during this time, it can be good for their mental health.

Negative aspects

Distance from regular activities can also have some negative aspects. It affects the education and career of adolescents. Taking leave from school or the office can affect their studies or performance at the workplace. In many places, social and religious restrictions on menstruation keep women away from the mainstream, which can reduce their self-confidence. If women stay away from work for a few days every month, it can affect their income and career growth. Facing repeated social and family pressure can make women feel inferior.

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