Menstrual Stain: A Qualitatitive Understanding of Stigmas Associated With Menstruation

Abstract

Menstruation is a biological process which is unique to females yet it has been shrouded by myths and socio-cultural stigmas that relegated women to a secondary position in the society. India being a diverse country too has various social connotations associated with menstruation which over time have had detrimental effect on females’ poor emotional, social and psychological well-being. There also exists an educational divide in the awareness related to puberty, reproductive health and menstrual hygiene among girls and women. The current paper seeks to understand the socio-religious and cultural stigmas that exist in society. The paper seeks to explore the stigmas women and girls from Tamil Nadu experience using semi-structures interview analyzed which was analyzed using thematic analysis. The paper is an understanding of the stigmas and taboos that are prevalent in the society and gives a narrative description of females’ behavioural and emotional responses to the stigmas.