From Stigma to Story:‘মেয়েদের দুরন্ত বয়ঃসন্ধি’, A New Chapter in Bangladeshi SRHR

‘মেয়েদের দুরন্ত বয়ঃসন্ধি’ (The Eventful puberty of girls) is a pioneering comic book that addresses a crucial yet often-overlooked aspect of girls’ health and development in Bangladesh. Published by WREETU, a social, non-profit organisation dedicated to comprehensive menstrual education, the comic stands as a testament to their mission, which is to ensure every girl receives proper menstrual hygiene management education before her first period. At a time when so many conversations about puberty and sexual health are swept under the rug, hidden in silence and shame, making this information accessible through something as engaging and easy to read as a comic book isn’t just creative, but it is, without a doubt, necessary. While traditional physical education books in the NCTB curriculum are often overlooked or considered taboo, WREETU’s comic series has a groundbreaking impact. The growing number of comics sold reflects its success in reaching and educating young girls with its relatable characters and narrative.

Why This Book Matters

In Bangladesh, where there is a large adolescent population of approximately 36 million, which means that more than one-fifth of the total population is between the ages of 10 and 19, and 50.47% of the total population is female, a study has found that 69.0% of adolescent girls were using old pieces of cloth or even no protection at all during menstruation. Therefore, the need to create awareness about menstrual hygiene is of paramount importance. 

Conversations about puberty and menstruation are frequently avoided in Bangladesh, which leads to a significant lack of reliable information for young girls. Without proper guidance, girls often resort to misinformation from peers or the internet, which leads to anxiety, fear, and poor health practices. This social stigma and silence create a harmful culture where girls feel ashamed of their bodies’ natural changes. The lack of open dialogue also contributes to mental health issues, social anxiety, and a feeling of isolation during a vulnerable period. ‘Meyeder Duronto Boyoshondhi’ directly addresses this issue by creating a safe space for learning. By packaging critical information within a fun and relatable story, the comic dismantles taboos and empowers girls to understand their bodies and feelings, fostering a culture of open and healthier conversation about female adolescence.

Inside the Comic Book

The comic follows the main character, Rumi, who was exposed to the early symptoms of puberty and the struggles of early adolescence. Rumi and her maternal cousins,  Dipa and Jhumu, are guided through the complexities of adolescence and menstruation by her maternal aunt, Munni, a student of Sylhet Medical College.  We see a logically structured narrative, which begins with a clear and scientific definition of puberty, the physical and mental changes that occur during puberty, such as breast development, the growth of pubic and underarm hair, the emergence of body odour and so on. 

Furthermore, the comic shows Munni sharing her first menstruation experience to comfort her nieces, providing step-by-step guidance on how to use a sanitary pad and sanitation during menstruation, as Rumi experiences her first period. Munni also sheds light on the science behind menstruation, covering the function of the ovaries and eventually the entire biological process of human reproduction and the comic brilliantly uses clear illustrations to show them. Another noteworthy attribute of the comic is its focus on nutrition and healthy habits. The vibrant, humorous and expressive illustrations complement the simple and accessible Bangla language, and the interplay of engaging visuals and relatable scenarios holds the reader’s attention from beginning to end. 

Relevance to SRHR in Bangladesh

This comic aligns perfectly with the mission of Share-Net Bangladesh (SNBD), which focuses on knowledge management, inclusivity, and bridging SRHR gaps. By creating an accessible and culturally relevant resource for boys, the comic directly contributes to a more inclusive SRHR landscape. It is a powerful knowledge product for parents, teachers, and youth club leaders to have significant discussions. The theme of the comic touches on various Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) in terms of health literacy, and SDG 4 (Quality Education) in the guise of a further tool for education. 

Furthermore, it indirectly influences SDG 5 (Gender Equality) by helping to promote an even vision of puberty across all genders and subverting the gendered norm culture of feeling and health. Its use of relatable characters and scenarios makes it a practical tool for grassroots community education, helping to normalise discussions on a subject that has long been considered taboo in Bangladesh. The comic book is particularly helpful in rural areas of Bangladesh, where the Physical Education book of NCTB is rarely explored due to stigmas. 

The Bigger Picture: Creative Knowledge Products for SRHR

The publication of ‘Meyeder Duronto Boyoshondhi’, and by extension, WREETU’s comic book series, underscores a national shift in how SRHR knowledge is shared. Traditional methods, such as textbooks and lectures, often fail to connect with younger audiences. Modern, creative knowledge-sharing formats like comics, apps, animated videos, and interactive storytelling are far more effective at capturing attention and facilitating understanding. WREETU’s comic is an excellent example of this innovative model, demonstrating that complex health information can be packaged entertainingly. 

Conclusion and Call-to-Action

A major obstacle in achieving optimum accessibility of the book would be its selling price, which is  BDT 280/-. Such a high price for a knowledge product makes it automatically inaccessible to people from lower wealth quintiles in rural areas, which is, in fact, the key target area for the comic. On the other hand, publishing the comic in the Chakma language was a brilliant effort in ensuring its accessibility and effect.

To conclude, ‘Meyeder Duronto Boyoshondhi’ is instrumental in addressing the two core menstruation challenges, which are stigma and the critical gap in SRHR education in Bangladesh. It breaks down deeply ingrained social taboos and provides vital information on puberty and menstruation in an engaging and effective format. Share-Net Bangladesh urges educators, parents, youth leaders and policymakers to recognise the effectiveness of such a brilliant knowledge product and actively use and distribute it. We also call upon readers to explore other innovative SRHR knowledge products from organisations like Share-Net Bangladesh and its partners, as we continue to work towards a future where every young person is empowered with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their own health and well-being.