Absorbed by a thought I was totally oblivious to one and
half hour tiring journey in the scorching heat of sun. A thought that was
planted by the most effective or to be precise the most intrepid speaker I have
ever witnessed. It was not a meeting specially designed for ladies nor was an
event on some Women’s day. But Kavya, a scientific writer by profession had
delivered in a regular get together a speech on the myths and unhealthy
practices of Indian women during the menstrual cycle, addressing a huge crowd
in which majority were men.
Having men onto my both sides, I felt a pinch of embarrassment
on hearing the topic but Kavya’s gentle reminder that the race of humans wouldn’t
have existed without this biological process and it was not a taboo subject, immediately
comforted me. She presented a statistical report throwing light on the fact
that 80% of the Indian women do not use sanitary pads but rather use SAND, ASH,
GRASS, NEWSPAPER and RAGS during their menstrual cycle. No sooner these words
struck my ear; I had Goosebumps on my hands. Trying to imagine it, had left me
with a bizarre sensation in my throat. As a girl I can emphasize the plight of
those hapless women. I controlled my thoughts and tried concentrating on Kavya’s
speech.
She lucidly explained the chronic problem unaddressed for centuries.
Unlike other health issues, Women were brought up in such a way that they
shouldn't publicly discuss about the menstrual problems. True..! I thought to
myself, standing behind my mom I rarely
discussed this with my father and I almost never discussed with my brother.
Insight into her thought provoking ideas in her whole speech, stirred up the
sense of introspection after which I was completely in accord with her argument
that there are many myths around this
- · Why to consider ourselves very shameful by a few red strains, when we know that happens with every women.
- · Why to shroud the sanitary pads with a black cover as if we are carrying a secret gun to shoot someone.
- · Why don’t we prefer asking our dad or brother to bring sanitary pads.
- · In some cultural practices why are the women treated as untouchables even in their own family during menstrual time.
- · Why is a women treated as impure on those days and asked to stay away from religious rituals.
After reading this, don’t we think of questioning our
systems(especially in rural areas) which don’t promote dignity of women.
It’s high time for us to help those women who are still
following the unhealthy practices and to do that there are many volunteer organizations.
The best among them as I consider it to be NJPC(Not
Just a Piece of Cloth) an initiative started by “Goonj”. MY Pad, Goonj's clean cloth pad is
developed out of old cloth collected from urban masses. It is made with highly
indigenous processes while also educating the user women to make it on their
own. It’s our responsibility to promote this and help the most vulnerable women
over there. Do visit this page and contribute whatsoever we can to bring the change
we would like to see.
Thank you Kavya, your speech had given me the boost to give
vent to my thoughts publicly.
Comments
Post a Comment