Many know a thing or two about the menstrual cycle. Due to the many myths surrounding it, some find it normal, and others, a dirty and disgusting thing that shouldn’t even be talked about. The same myths have led many girls around the world to skip school because of their period. This is in part why a report called for boys, as well as girls, to learn about periods and the menstrual cycle at school, and to not keep it as ‘a girl’s problem’.
Menstrual cycle or period is normal vaginal bleeding that occurs as part of a woman’s monthly cycle. When a woman’s body gets ready for pregnancy every month and it doesn’t occur, the womb or uterus hormones allow the body to shed its lining with menstrual blood and tissue from inside the uterus.
"I get hurt when my brother asks how a female on her period can sit next to him. Many strict religions think that a female on her period should be distanced, because they perceive it as unhygienic, which is not true,” says Zahra Rujugiro.
Stigma in society is strengthened by a section of people, especially boys, who do not understand it. They can humiliate a girl yet ‘period waits for nobody’. They do not understand what girls go through, like pain in the abdomen and pelvic area, back pain and headache, even insomnia, fatigue, and acne during their period.
"All I know is that all females have their period every month, and they have to wear pads for five consecutive days. I heard Coca Cola can ease the cramps,” says Laurien Ineza, when asked what he knows about menstruation.
There are many boys like Ineza who want to learn more about menstruation and the best way to treat a female on her period.
"Be patient with her, and don’t actually blame her for her irritability, mood swings or cravings. Instead, be more attentive to her, understand her ordeal. If you can, bring her some comfort, including the period products she prefers and also give her some space in case she needs it. Some women use pain relief to get better, warm clothes, hot black tea, and et cetera,” says one Mutesi, a Kigali resident.
It is important to note that sanitary pads aren’t the only menstrual hygiene products. There are cloths, reusable and disposable pads, menstrual cups and tampons as well. For supportive purpose, consider soap, underwear and pain relief.
Christian Ndinda, co-founder of Inovos Ltd, a factory that produces TAMU sanitary pads, shares his view. "Do not take menstruation as something abnormal. It is a series of natural changes in hormone production of the female reproductive system that makes pregnancy possible. So, be aware that there is no life without menstruation.”
Asked what inspired him to make sanitary pads, he says, "The decision was because we felt that women and girls were facing bias due to lack of proper ways to manage menstruation, mostly in rural areas. We wanted to make them feel strong and confident even during their period.”
Menstruation is not a sickness
Most women menstruate each month for about two to seven days. Yet, as normal as it is, menstruation is stigmatised around the world.
A lack of information about menstruation leads to damaging misconceptions and discrimination, and can cause girls to miss out on normal childhood experiences and activities. Stigma, taboos and myths prevent adolescent girls—and boys—from the opportunity to learn about menstruation and develop healthy habits, the article "Fast Facts: Nine things you didn’t know about menstruation”, states.
At the age of puberty, between of 8 and 15 is when a girl’s body begins to change. However, periods defer from person to person and so do the challenges and length. For every girl, this signifies an important transition to womanhood—a time when they would benefit from the support of family and friends. The end of the menstrual cycle starts when women enter menopause which generally falls between the ages of 45 and 55.