Breaking the 'bloody' taboo: Girls to get lessons on menstruation at Delhi govt schools

New Delhi: For the first time, young girls studying at Delhi government schools will get lessons on menstruation, a laudable move aiming to do away with myths and taboos surrounding women's health, especially, periods.

In a campaign called “Break the Bloody taboo”, NGO Sacchi Saheli, which started with imparting these lessons in slums, will now conduct 'period talks' for teenage girls in 70 government-run schools where questions around menstruation will be answered.

"Usually lessons on menstruation are imparted to girls by their mothers who unfortunately also pass on superstition, stigma and fear surrounding the natural bodily process.

"There is an urgent need to educate young girls that menstruation is no disease and they need not be ashamed of it," said Surbhi Singh, a gynaecologist, who has been roped into conduct these lessons.

The team's aim is to offer scientific reasons for basic questions such as whether it is advisable to take painkillers for cramps, and also dispelling myths of women being told not to touch pickle or wash their hair during periods.

During the session, a questionnaire will be handed out to girls to gauge how much they know about the process.

"They will be asked basic questions such as 'how did they find out about periods' and whether they were informed about it before hand. The girls will also taught how to use and dispose sanitary napkins," she said.

"If need be, mothers of these girls will also be counselled to ensure that their orthodox beliefs about menstruation are changed," she added.

So far these lessons have been conducted in slums in Kondli, Laxmi Nagar, Krishna Nagar, Patparganj, Trilopkpuri, Madanpur Khadar, Wazirpur and Shakur Basti.

Unfortunately, even today women in India are perceived as 'unclean' or 'impure' during menstruation, making them an outcast in the society.

(With PTI inputs)