The Steppingstone Towards Womanhood Menarche

Which is the most beautiful phase of a girl’s life? -The transition from being a girl to womanhood. Blossoming into a woman can be a life-changing experience. Whether it is about the subtle changes in mood or evident physiological changes, moving towards womanhood is a thrilling experience. Wondering from where it all starts? We say menarche. However, menarche often takes a toll on every little girl who experiences her first period.

Imagine being 10 or 12 years old and suddenly experiencing physical, psychological, and societal pangs of being a woman. In a world where searching for a menstrual cup price feels like a sin, imagine bleeding for 3-5 days straight with cramps and all the psychological factors. Daunting, isn’t it?

Parwin’s story of Menarche

So, I started my periods when I was 12 years old and I was getting ready for school. When my mom saw the stain on my uniform, she told me all about periods and I was devastated by what she told me. This might sound lame today, but that was the only time when I wanted to be a boy. Apart from the norms like not being allowed in temples, etc.

I was raised in a pretty progressive nuclear family. Everyone was kind to me as they understood what was bothering me. I cried for two days straight and everyone consoled me by educating me that periods are normal. Although I was lucky with my menarche as I had a supportive environment, everyone isn’t. My sister told me how to insert a menstrual cup for beginners and guided me through menstrual cup price, uses, and everything. However, menarche throughout the country is looked upon very differently. 

Social constructs related to menarche

Do you know that in many cultures, the girl is isolated in a room till the 4th day of bleeding? Think about the trauma and the depression that a girl has to go through when she is experiencing a drastic physiological change. After her 4th day of the period, she isn’t allowed to roam around freely or touch anyone. What’s more shocking is that her utensils are also kept separated from the rest of the family.

On the other hand, there are many South Indian states and eastern cultures that culminate a huge celebration at the end of the menarche. The celebration is a reminder to commemorate feminity. However, not every girl wants to be presented as a show trophy when her entire notion about physiological function has changed. 

Besides menstruating girls have to sleep on the floor till the 5th day. They cannot touch plants, men, or anything and they cannot even step into the kitchen. Although not every culture is brutal when it comes to menstruation, almost every culture and community degrades menstruation and menarche as an impure phenomenon. 

Conclusion

Gone are the days when social constructs and stereotypes held women back. Now is the time to change. When women are running families and nations, searching for how to insert a menstrual cup for beginners should not be embarrassing. Think beyond the confined boundaries of irrelevant social norms because the change starts at home.