Eve Teasing Menace in India Lifestyle Digital Vibes Places Antarctic - New Oil Target Boozy British Women Colors of Nature World's Happiest Place Gender Voices Prev Issue Next Issue

Dirty Days By - Rina Mukherji Rina Mukherji has spent more than one a half decades (17 years to be precise) in the Indian print media. She has written on practically every topic under the sun- business, politics, science, gender issues, child rights, the environment, films, literature, public health and human rights so far. She has worked for several national newspapers in Mumbai and Kolkata, and freelanced for nearly all major newspapers and magazines in the country. She also holds a doctorate in African Studies, and has several academic articles to her credit

The other day, I had the opportunity of viewing a beautiful film made by documentary film-maker Leena Manimekkalai. The film, called "Altar"- which deals with the depraved customs and traditions of the Kambalathu Naicker community in the interiors of Tamil Nadu that play havoc with women, and reduce them to a wretched existence, has an interesting vignette on how young girls are compelled to spend their days of menstruation on the outskirts of the village without any shelter from the elements. One can well understand how vulnerable a young 14-15 year old is in a situation where she is far removed from family and friends, and must cook and fend for herself, lest she pollute the village and its inhabitants.

But then, this practice is not confined to the illiterate, semi-literate, and obscurantist people inhabiting our interiors alone. Scratch the surface, and you will find many educated women and their families endorsing the practice.

Menstruating women are kept away from the kitchen, from ceremonies and all worship.

I still remember my mother, in all her finery, keeping away from the wedding ceremony of my youngest aunt, merely because she subscribed to the general belief that a menstruating woman bodes ill for the bride and casts an evil shadow on the rituals. And here was a woman who did not believe in keeping away from the temple, and advised others against following the obscurantist practice otherwise. I had found the dichotomy confusing.

But I realize today, we Indians actually dwell in two different worlds. There is this veneer of modernity, where free intermixing of the sexes is no longer frowned upon and women actively take to the professions. On the other hand, marriages continue to be arranged, with the astrologer generally having the last say on the subject.

Whenever friends and family ask me whether a particular date is okay with me, and pointedly refer to my menstrual periods, a sharp rebuke leaves them confused. "I hope you understand", is the apologetic explanation. No, I do not understand. And I do not think that anyone does-unless they really decide to dwell on what caused such a stupid practice to originate in the first place.

It is even worse when people attribute someone’s mood swings to a possible menstrual syndrome.

Herein, some clarification is needed. Yes, there are women who have painful periods. Just as there are women who have difficult pregnancies. Yet, many-including me- are at their very best during their so-called "dirty days". They are in fine fettle, and at their efficient best.

Every gynecologist or medical practitioner will stress on maintaining the necessary hygiene during menstruation, lest a woman gets infected. Cellulose non-woven napkins are, hence, always preferred in comparison to home-made cloth ones. Bathing once or twice daily is essential, and so is the need to change napkins at regular intervals.

However, there is no justification in treating the menstruating woman as an untouchable. If anything, a menstruating woman should never be exposed to the elements or made to sleep on the bare floor. She should be clean and relaxed, lest her reproductive organs get strained or infected by any chance.

Probably religious heads had wanted to stress on maintaining hygiene during this period of a woman’s menstrual cycle, and in their bid to relieve women of undue stress, suggested a period of rest. In time, this has taken a different turn, and one finds practically all religious groups, save Christians, keeping their women away from ceremonies and rituals during their menstruating period.

Modesty prevents our women from openly debating or opposing the practice. Since it is an awkward matter to take up in public, many even endorse it. As we march into the 21st century and demand and move towards equality in every sphere with men, isn’t it time that we object to this stupid practice and demand an end to it?

View and Post comment on this article