Menstruation and human rights 

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Period – a word that has countless euphemisms in many languages, cultures, communities and countries. But why the need for a code? Well, that is because till date, Period is a topic shrouded in secrecy and considered to be a taboo. Many still consider menstruation as dirty, impure or unholy. A belief that imposes diverse restrictions on women, transgender men and non-binary people. 

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Menstruation or periods is a natural and healthy bodily process for girls and women of reproductive age, wherein the uterus sheds blood and tissue through the vagina. Menstruation is part of the menstrual cycle – a cycle of biological changes that take place in a woman or girl’s reproductive system to prepare her body for a potential pregnancy. The menstrual cycle is roughly 28 days long, but it can be shorter or longer.  

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However, despite it being only a natural bodily process, many people across the world believe in myths, notions and falsified theories about Periods. Such beliefs create a barrier for menstruators from accessing basic and fundamental necessities and spaces, thus, violating their human rights. 

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Some communities believe women and girls can spread misfortune during periods. As a result, they may face restrictions on their day-to-day behavior, including prohibitions on attending religious ceremonies, visiting religious spaces, handling food or sleeping in the home.

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In western Nepal, the tradition of chhaupadi prohibits women and girls from cooking food and compels them to spend the night outside the home, often in a hut or livestock shed. Similar rules apply to women and girls in parts of India and other countries.

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Menstrual stigmas also affect how women and girls are able to manage their health and hygiene. Some cultures prohibit women and girls from touching or washing their genitals during menstruation, possibly contributing to infections.

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In some parts of Afghanistan, it is even believed that washing the body during menstruation can lead to infertility. In other places, women and girls are fearful that their bodies could pollute water sources or toilets.

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In some places, women burn menstrual pads to avoid cursing animals or nature. In other places, burning menstrual products is believed to cause infertility. Some communities believe menstrual products should be buried to avoid attracting evil spirits. Others believe improper disposal of these products can cause a girl to menstruate continuously for life.

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Many communities believe menstruating women and girls cannot eat certain foods, such as sour or cold foods, or those prone to spoilage. In many places around the world, a girl’s first period, called menarche, is believed to be a sign that she is ready for marriage, sexual activity and childbirth. This leaves girls vulnerable to a host of abuses, including child marriage, sexual violence or coercion, and early pregnancy. While menstruation is one indication of biological fertility, it does not mean girls have reached mental, emotional, psychological or physical maturity.

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Menstruation is not a topic to be discussed publicly – many say. This prohibits menstruators from reaching out for help in case of menstrual disorders or in several ways also restrict their access to livelihoods. Besides, myths, traditions and cultural taboos continue to disrupt normal menstrual life of many. 

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These culture or tradition-induced restrictions may aggravate existing menstrual disorders. 

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Below is a list of universally agreed human rights that can be undermined by women’s and girls’ treatment during menstruation:

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• The right to health - Women and girls may experience negative health consequences when they lack the supplies and facilities to manage their menstrual health. Stigma associated with menstruation can also prevent women and girls from seeking treatment for menstruation-related disorders or pain, adversely affecting their enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health and well-being.

• The right to education - Lack of a safe place or ability to manage menstrual hygiene as well as lack of medication to treat menstruation-related pain can all contribute to higher rates of school absenteeism and poor educational outcomes. Some studies have confirmed that when girls are unable to adequately manage menstruation in school, their school attendance and performance suffer.

• The right to work - Poor access to safe means of managing menstrual hygiene and lack of medication to treat menstruation-related disorders or pain also limit job opportunities for women and girls. They may refrain from taking certain jobs, or they may be forced to forgo working hours and wages. Menstruation-related needs, such as bathroom breaks, may be penalized, leading to unequal working conditions. And women and girls may face workplace discrimination related to menstruation taboos.

• The right to non-discrimination and gender equality - Stigmas and norms related to menstruation can reinforce discriminatory practices. Menstruation-related barriers to school, work, health services and public activities also perpetuate gender inequalities.

• The right to water and sanitation - Water and sanitation facilities, such as bathing facilities, that are private, safe and culturally acceptable, along with a sufficient, safe and affordable water supply are basic prerequisites for managing menstrual health management.