Menstruation has long been a taboo topic in India, resulting in little to no conversations around the subject among families. This not only results in discrimination against menstruating women, but limits their access to healthcare resources. With an aim to raise awareness about menstrual health, period poverty and break the silence around menstrual shame, The Times of India, the nation’s largest news brand, unveiled the #CutTheShame initiative on May 28th, World Menstrual Hygiene Day.
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Studies by women’s health organisations show that a shocking 84% of Indian women have restricted or no access to sanitary napkins, with the ongoing COVID-19 induced lockdown forcing hundreds of thousands of young girls and women to resort to the age-old unhygienic practice of using a cloth during their periods. Lack of access to hygiene is the fifth biggest killer of women in the world, as per a WaterAid report. Note that in 2018, India scrapped its 12% tax on all sanitary products following months of campaigning by activists.
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Speaking on the importance of menstrual hygiene in these times, Durga Raghunath, Digital Head – Times Of India said, “Menstrual health and hygiene should be discussed openly like any other topic concerning our health. Unfortunately, that is not the case. Conversations on periods are still shrouded in secrecy and conducted in hushed tones as it remains a source of shame and discomfort for young girls, and older women because of taboos associated within family structures.”
Period shaming in India is a cruel reality
Period shaming is a reality in India, which thrives in the presence of myths and stigmas around menstruating women. Hundreds of millions of menstruating women are still made to feel unclean and ‘impure’ by their own families during their monthly period, and so it’s time we put this issue on the table.
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#CutTheShame will offer a series of expert-backed data, information and advice, all the while centering the lived experiences of girls and women in India. The campaign hopes to take readers on a journey of empathy, kindness and care, but also one that inspires each of us to reject taboos and misinformation and speak up. The Times Of India is working to bring voices of experts and activists who have worked relentlessly, empowering and emancipating women from the shackles of period shame.
“As a large media organisation with over 40% women’s readership, and the power to drive awareness, we believe that the shame surrounding periods needs to be weeded out of our culture and period poverty must be brought to an end so that women can take charge of their bodies and live with greater dignity and empowerment,” said Durga Raghunath.
Check out TOI’s Cut The Shame initiative: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/cuttheshame
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