Delhi Deputy CM Manish Sisodia: Boys need to be taught about menstruation

It is indeed a curious situation, when we, supposedly having reached the peak of evolution, are more uninformed than ever about the concept of menstruation and continue to shun it. A noteworthy reason is that one half of humanity, which does not experience it, is barely ever included in the conversation and is often authorized by our society’s power structures to pass rulings and judgments on it. Thus, Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia stresses on need for inviting the boys to talk and learn about menstruation as the need of the hour.

Speaking at the inaugural edition of National Menstrual Conclave, an event organised by a local NGO Sachhi Saheli in association with Aakar and Something Creative, he described the role education can play in this movement. “The schools have become places within four walls where kids consume education. But, schools can play an important role in normalising issues that have become taboos over the years. It shows our lack of communication that a simple bodily function has become a taboo. Boys, more than girls, need to be taught about it, so the girls and women can find a support system around them and not feel alienated,” the CM said, as reported by PTI.

He opines that the schooling system as well as our mindsets need to be revolutionized until the word menstruation does not evoke shame, and until the very need for such campaigns disappears. “The campaign will be a success only when we don’t need more such campaigns and NGOs to address the issue. It will only be possible through creative and constructive participation of each member of the society,” the minister said.

Surbhi Singh, founder of Sachhi Saheli, added, “We want that discussion about menstruation should come out from the confines of closed doors to the open and people can talk about it comfortably. We want all myths and taboos surrounding menstruation to be busted but in a scientific way. We need to explain with logic the relevance of certain ancient practices associated with menstruation. Every girl should be able to face it with confidence, not shame.”