Menstruation remains a natural process, yet it is still surrounded by silence and stigma shaped by culture, lack of education and economic barriers
Menstruation is a natural biological process experienced by nearly half of the global population, yet it continues to be surrounded by silence, stigma, and discomfort in many societies. Across generations, countless women have experienced confusion or concern about menstruation and menstrual hygiene, but have often hesitated to ask questions due to embarrassment or fear of judgment. Despite being a basic aspect of human biology, it remains a subject that is rarely discussed openly at home, in schools, or in public spaces.
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To understand why this silence persists, on Menstrual Hygiene Day, GPlus spoke with individuals from different backgrounds and genders in Guwahati. Their perspectives together highlight how cultural beliefs, lack of education, affordability concerns, and long-standing traditions continue to shape the way menstruation is perceived.
Social worker Shruti Hazarika pointed out that menstrual hygiene continues to be treated as a taboo largely because it is seen as an issue that affects only women. Building on this, she explained that when a topic is limited to one section of society, it often does not receive equal attention in terms of discussion, research, or awareness. As a result, it remains confined within private spaces rather than becoming part of open public dialogue. She further added that if menstruation were experienced by everyone, it would likely be studied more seriously and spoken about more openly. In addition, she highlighted that menstruation is closely connected to subjects such as reproduction and reproductive organs, which are still considered sensitive or uncomfortable in many social settings. This discomfort, she noted, further deepens the stigma and silence surrounding menstrual health.
While Shruti’s views focus on societal perception, teenager Pia Das brings attention to another crucial factor, education and awareness. She said that many people grow up without being properly taught about menstruation or menstrual hygiene practices, including basic knowledge such as how to use sanitary pads or maintain cleanliness during periods. Because of this gap in learning, confusion and misinformation often continue into adulthood, making it difficult for individuals to speak about the topic openly. Consequently, many feel embarrassed or ashamed even to ask basic questions. However, she also shared a contrasting experience from her own life. She stated that she feels comfortable discussing menstruation and receives strong support from her parents and family members, which helps reduce stigma at a personal level.
Similarly, psychology student Kritika Jain emphasised how deeply rooted beliefs influence attitudes toward menstruation. She explained that many menstrual-related restrictions are not newly formed but are instead passed down through generations and internalised from childhood. As a result, in several households, menstruating women are still expected to follow strict practices such as staying in separate rooms, avoiding the kitchen, or using separate utensils. In some cases, cultural beliefs also restrict women from touching certain food items, based on the idea that it may become impure or spoiled. Kritika pointed out that these practices persist mainly due to limited awareness and the absence of open discussion around menstrual health. Over time, such norms reinforce the idea that menstruation is something impure or hidden, rather than a normal biological function.
Moving beyond cultural and educational aspects, economic barriers also add another layer to the issue. In conversations with GPlus, some women shared that sanitary pads are often expensive and not easily affordable for everyone. This financial burden is further intensified by what is commonly referred to as the “pink tax,” where products targeted toward women are priced higher. Consequently, for many women, especially those from economically weaker backgrounds, accessing proper menstrual hygiene products becomes difficult. As a result, they are often forced to rely on cloth as an alternative, which, if not properly sanitized, can pose health risks.
Adding a generational and experiential perspective, Konkan Sarma reflected on how menstrual practices have evolved over time. He said that many restrictions associated with menstruation originated in earlier periods when scientific understanding was limited. Over time, these practices became traditions and were passed down through generations, eventually turning into taboos. He recalled observing his mother being required to stay in a separate room and avoid the kitchen during her periods. Continuing this practice, he mentioned that similar restrictions are still followed in his own household with his wife. In his view, such customs create emotional and physical distance within families, which makes it harder for women to openly express their health concerns or seek support. Therefore, he believes that these deeply rooted practices continue to sustain the taboo around menstruation.
When all these perspectives are seen together, a larger picture begins to emerge, one where silence is not caused by a single factor, but by a combination of cultural conditioning, lack of education, economic inequality, and generational beliefs. Each of these elements reinforces the other, making it difficult for open conversations to take place.
Menstruation remains a deeply misunderstood and stigmatised subject despite being a natural biological process. However, the voices shared by individuals from different backgrounds also indicate that change is slowly beginning. With better education, increased awareness, and more open dialogue at both family and societal levels, the long-standing silence around menstruation can gradually be broken.
