In a small town among rice fields, I grew up navigating the complexities of menstrual equity and period poverty. I was raised in a conservative community where menstruation was shrouded in silence and shame. My journey towards period empowerment is a testament to resilience and determination.
My first encounter with menstruation was steeped in confusion and misinformation. At age thirteen, I found a bloodstain in my underwear, sending waves of panic and embarrassment through my mind. I learned about the menstrual cycle — not through a supportive conversation, — but through whispers and hushed tones. It was a topic cloaked in secrecy and shame, and never openly discussed. Reflecting on these experiences, I wish I learned about menstruation in a way that normalized and celebrated periods as a natural part of a woman’s life rather than something to be hidden. I believe that open dialogue and accurate information could have alleviated my initial apprehensions, and fostered a healthy relationship with my body.
As I matured, I grappled with the financial strain of the affordability of menstrual products. Disposable pads were a luxury that I couldn’t always afford, leading to instances of experiencing period poverty myself. I resorted to makeshift solutions or endured discomfort to stretch my period supplies. Determined to break this cycle, I made the switch to reusable products in my late teens. The transition not only eased my financial burden, but also deepened my connection to my menstrual cycle. Embracing eco-friendly menstrual cups empowered me to reclaim agency over my period experience, fostering a sense of environmental responsibility and personal empowerment.
For other menstruators considering the switch to reusable products, I advocate for patience and perseverance. I advise starting with small changes such as trying reusable pads or menstrual cups, and gradually adjusting to the new routine. I emphasise the importance of self-care and self-compassion during this transition, acknowledging that each person’s journey towards period positivity is unique.
Despite progress in the menstrual movement, I believe there are still gaps to be addressed. I envision a future where menstruation is embraced as a natural and dignified aspect of life, free from discrimination and barriers.
Blood whispers secrets untold,
Running amidst life, a tale unfolds.
At thirteen, silence was my guide, mysteries of crimson, where shadows hide.
Skin rashes, silent screams of pain,
Cramps echo, a soul’s refrain.
School’s silence, a deafening hush,
Home’s silence, a secret’s blush.
Discrimination, those seven days,
My body, a map of societal ways.
Let’s learn, let’s understand,
It is just bloody blood.
Let our voices blend
Where gender and justice ascend
A world where period is understood
A world where menstruation is no falsehood
