And does it have to be weird?
For the longest time discussions about menstruation have been a “woman’s” problem ,I think its because the society has instilled that mentality in us or maybe not.What do you think?
Before unlearning this notion,it always felt awkward having these discussions with the opposite gender.Walking down the store to purchase a pack of pads was always petrifying especially when the seller was a man.I recall waiting for the number of customers to reduce for me to purchase my pack of pads,then going ahead to whispering my need to the seller ,dumb right?
Funny enough,this guys(sellers) had to wrap that pack with a newspaper ,infact it was A two-paged newspaper to avoid a third-party from seeing what was wrapped underneath.Who still does that in the 21st century?Anyway to cut the long story short,I think there was,and is still some discomfort when it comes to having these discussions with men compared to having them with women.This men include our fathers,brothers ,partners and male friends.
To make the menstruation discussion an easier task for each one of us, it is wise to embrace the following;
1.Embracing open conversations.
Let’s normalize having open discussions with the men on matters menstruation.This will make it easier to curb the ignorance that exists around this issue.Men have their issues as well,therefore engaging them and listening to them will lead to a smooth transition on conversations surrounding menstruation.
2.Normalizing Sex education in schools.
Though this program exists,I feel the methods used to convey messages to students is still worrying.I look forward to seeing boys and girls engaging in discussions together .We are used to having sessions where boys and girls are separated.If my memory serves me right,I think this is what happened when I was in my seventh grade.
3.Unlearning some notions.
In Nepal,menstruating women are oftened banished,they are usually isolated till the shedding is done.This still happens in some households despite the act being criminalised in 2017.Informing and educating men on issues surrounding menstruation would rout such acts in our societies.
For the few men that I have had a chance to converse with on matters menstruation,the majority of them think that them being educated on this topic will give them a better understanding of how they can help the women in their lives.
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Let’s embrace having these discussions since listening to issues faced by both genders can be frustrating .Therefore, it is a good achievement for our society if we normalize creating more awareness of such “sacred” topics.
Let’s support the women,offer a helping hand if you can especially during that time of the month.Let us put a smile on these faces.
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TEACH HIM INITIATIVE. 