Removing Stigma from Menstruation

A session was organised by InclusionX at Society for the Welfare of the Intellectually Disabled (SWID Bangladesh, Ramna Branch) where parents were educated about menstrual health and puberty by Nasrin Begum, a trainer from Bangladesh Nari Progati Sangha (BNPS).

In a conversational fashion, the speaker discussed taboos and misconceptions related to menstruation and about the importance of health and nutrition during menstruation. She said that families should educate men about periods because they can play a huge role in taking care of their female family members and friends. Menstruation is a natural process that occurs within a woman’s body and should be dealt with normally. Parents must talk about it to their children at an early stage so that they don’t panic or get frightened when they experience their first period.

The speaker spoke about sanitary napkins and their proper disposal. Some parents raised questions on the affordability of sanitary pads which the speaker answered elaborately. She also explained the biological context of menstruation and educated all the parents about the female reproductive system, reinforcing the fact that menstruation is a normal part of human’s life.

The success of the programme encouraged InclusionX to organise programmes in other schools as well. The main focus of the organisation is to empower individuals with intellectual disabilities through its initiatives.

Source: The Daily Star