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Pinkishe Foundation
18/10/24
In the quiet town of Haldwani, nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, age-old traditions still held a powerful grip on the lives of its residents. One such tradition cast a long shadow over the women of the community: the practice of making them sleep on the floor during menstruation. For Priya, a young woman living in this town, this tradition was a source of deep humiliation and discomfort.
Priya's monthly cycle was accompanied by more than just physical discomfort. Each time her period began, she was forced to sleep on the cold, hard floor, isolated from the rest of her family. This practice, rooted in orthodox beliefs, made her feel like an outcast in her own home. The shame and embarrassment it caused weighed heavily on her heart, and she struggled to understand why something as natural as menstruation should be treated with such disdain.
Upasana Tulera had been conducting menstrual health management (MHM) sessions in various parts of Haldwani for a long time. Dedicated to improving women's health and challenging harmful traditions, Upasana continuously sought out areas where her sessions were most needed. It was during one of these explorations that she came across a group of young girls from Priya’s village. They shared bizarre stories of the practices they endured during their periods, including the one that forced Priya to sleep on the floor.
Moved by these stories, Upasana decided to conduct a session specifically for this village. She knew that these women needed not just education but a profound shift in their understanding of menstruation. Her goal was to dismantle the myths that had been perpetuated for generations and to instill a sense of dignity and normalcy around menstruation.
Priya attended the session with a mix of hope and skepticism. She listened intently as Upasana spoke about the importance of understanding menstruation and treating it as a normal, healthy part of life. Finally, mustering her courage, Priya shared her own experience. She spoke about the humiliation she felt every month when she was made to sleep on the floor, her voice trembling with emotion. The room fell silent as the weight of her words sank in.
Upasana listened with compassion and empathy. She addressed Priya directly, her voice firm yet gentle. "Menstruation is a natural biological process," she began. "It does not make you impure or less deserving of comfort and dignity. The tradition of making women sleep on the floor during their periods is rooted in misinformation and outdated beliefs." Upasana went on to explain the normalcy of menstruation, dispelling myths and emphasizing that every woman deserved to be treated with respect, regardless of the time of the month.
Priya felt a wave of relief wash over her. The chains of orthodox beliefs that had bound her for so long began to loosen. She realized that menstruation was not something to be ashamed of, but a natural part of being a woman. Upasana's words empowered her, giving her the strength to challenge the practices that had caused her so much pain. She left the session with a newfound sense of self-worth and determination.
The impact of the session extended beyond Priya. The other women who attended were equally moved, their minds opened to new perspectives. The session sparked conversations and reflections within the community, challenging long-held beliefs and traditions. Upasana's efforts planted the seeds of change, encouraging women to stand up for their rights and dignity.
For Priya, the session was a turning point. No longer would she accept the humiliation of sleeping on the floor during her periods. She began to educate her family and friends, sharing the knowledge she had gained. Slowly but surely, the tides of change began to wash over her community, bringing with them a sense of empowerment and respect for women's health and rights.
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