Title : Knowledge and practices related to menstruation among diverse Indian women population
Abstract:
It is important to understand that menstruation is largely not talked about across many cultures. Countries across continents have their own struggle with menstrual hygiene and awareness. In majority of articles and news commentaries a common observation is, that there is severe lack of menstrual hygiene in India. However, a real time data about the representation and societal interpretation is lacking. Studying menstruation in a culturally diverse country like India is complex, as each community has its own historical and cultural context. A survey of 160 girls in West Bengal found that 67.5% were aware of menstruation and its causes before menarche, but 97.5% did not know the true source of menstrual bleeding. Among Gujjar girls, a semi-nomadic tribe in Jammu and Kashmir, menstruation is believed to eliminate "bad blood" from the body, a crucial defense against infection. These varying beliefs highlight the need to study the social and cultural dimensions of menstruation in India, including its influence on women’s status, customs, and taboos. In India, menstruation is also celebrated in many communities, where women are revered as goddesses before and after their periods. These rituals underscore the dual nature of menstruation in Indian culture—both a taboo and a source of pride. Menstrual taboos are culturally specific, shaped by the perceptions, values, and norms of a given society.
