There are moments in life that are not just painful but profoundly telling. Moments that expose the quiet battles so many face in their daily lives. One such moment recently came to light where a Class 11 student of a girl’s school in Uttar Pradesh, was made to stand outside her class for an hour after she requested a sanitary pad during her examination.
The incident took place when during an exam a girl realized her periods had started. She then sought help from the principal. Instead of assisting her, the principal ignored and “punished” her for it. This story is not just about one girl’s humiliation – it’s a mirror reflecting the cultural stigma, institutional apathy, and systemic failure to raise awareness about menstruation as a natural part of a girl’s health and well-being.
The Harsh Realities of Period Taboo in Schools
The incident underscores the reality of menstrual health management in India, a subject that has for long been hidden in silence and shame. According to UNICEF, 71% of adolescent girls in India remain unaware of menstruation until their first period. Without proper education, many girls internalize stigma and misinformation, leading to shame and hesitation to address basic needs, such as access to sanitary products.
When a young girl hesitates to speak about her period, or worse, faces punishment for doing so, we are failing her as a society. The act of singling out a student for requesting a pad is not just insensitive, it’s a form of blatant disregard for her basic human rights.
With classrooms, which are seen as sanctuaries of learning, become a space where she feels discomfort and shaming, it leaves a deep impact on a young mind. For many students, something as basic as a clean toilet or access to pads is still a luxury in most parts of the country. A report by NGO Dasra, a leading Indian philanthropic organization, reveals that 23 million girls in India drop out of school annually due to the lack of menstrual hygiene facilities and infrastructure.
Adding to this are the cultural taboos. In many Indian households, menstruating girls are not allowed to enter kitchens, temples, or even touch certain food items. This deeply ingrained stigma makes it difficult for young girls to ask for help – even in times of urgent need.
The incident in Uttar Pradesh is a stark reminder of these harsh realities all combined together. Here was a young student trying to focus on her exams, only to find her need for menstrual care treated as an inconvenience or a disruption.
Breaking the Taboo
But there’s hope. Across India, individuals and organizations are working to dismantle these barriers. Menstrual education campaigns led by The Menstrual Health Alliance of India (MHAI), aim to create awareness and promote open conversations about periods. Grassroots initiatives like Project Baala and Goonj’s “Not Just a Piece of Cloth” program are bridging the gap by addressing the challenges of menstrual hygiene and management for the women in India. All these are helping in raising awareness and sensitivity towards the pressing issues of period poverty in India.
There are also many trailblazers across India who are working tirelessly to change the narrative. Aditi Gupta’s Menstrupedia has educated millions of girls on menstruation, breaking taboos with humor and simplicity. Similarly, brands like Anandi Pads and Sangini (by Wheels Global Foundation) are making low-cost, affordable, eco-friendly sanitary products accessible to those who need them most, ensuring that no girl is left behind due to lack of resources.
While these efforts are commendable, the change must be systemic. Schools should also be made into safe spaces where students feel comfortable addressing their needs. Teachers need to be sensitized, and menstrual health education must be integrated into the curriculum in a way that normalizes discussions about menstruation for all genders.
A Call to Action For Raising Menstrual Awareness in India
The Uttar Pradesh government’s decision to investigate this incident is a step in the right direction. But beyond inquiries, we need actionable reforms. Every school in India should have:
- Free and accessible sanitary pads in restrooms.
- Gender-sensitive teachers and staff who are trained to handle such situations with empathy.
- Menstrual health awareness programs for students of all genders to normalize conversations about periods.
- Supportive infrastructure such as clean toilets and disposal facilities.
This story is not just about one girl. It’s about all the girls who have ever been forced to stay silent because of shame and humiliation she might face for something as natural as menstruation. So, we need to break the silence. It’s time we listen, act, and create a world where a request for a sanitary pad is met with understanding, not punishment. After all, empowering girls during their periods is not just about hygiene – it’s about humanity.
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