Menstruation still has been a Victim of Measured Words

Who could ever forget those shy, self-dejected women from “A Thousand Splendid Suns” who were ever reluctant to talk about their basic needs? The women who had always been assigned the designation of a deity across cultures have always been an element of dejection. Even after we consider it not less than a feat to proclaim women a subject of respect, we hardly care about their basic nuances of the day today. Undoubtedly the acclaimed storyteller Khaled Hosseini depicted the plight of women, it takes enough courage to talk about something which is even considered taboo for women.

Still, today even though we claim of being modern, a lot of imperative topics are considered taboo in our society. And what could be more imperative for women than menstruation which has sadly been a prey of ignorance and lack of education? Going into the depth and intricacies of such a sensible aspect needs a sensitive heart with immense respect for women, and who could have done it better than the ever-versatile; Mukesh Kumar Shahi in his highly-awaited masterpiece, “Period & Emotion”.

Menstruation which is generally known as Periods due to its natural cycle of 28 Days has been a part and parcel of a woman’s life since she hit puberty. Periods are said to be accompanied by an emotional change in females which is a byproduct of biochemical changes. These changes are understandable for a female but the changing perception of the males pinches them the most. Even today our patriarchy considers the woman devoid of purity stage once she is in the state of periods. If patriarchy is not enough then the prevailing superstitions which have been described in length by Mr. Shahi act as silent torture for these emotionally depleted women.

Our dear country which boasts of being the next Superpower has still been unable to eradicate the diseased mentality which has brought hundreds of women to the brink of mortality. Even though we are accustomed to blaming the men for any of the women’s depravity, Period & Emotion shed light on the nonsense customs which have blossomed like a ritual for women. Women who have blended these beverages without caring about the consequences are just a victim of lack of education. Undoubtedly not all old is obsolete and Mr. Shahi goes to length in his research to bifurcate between truth and myth, superstitions and traditions, and negligence and indulgence of family members which could help the women to attain a happy and hygienic life.

Isn’t it an irony that at a time when the world should be busy headhunting women for the top-notch positions, we are trying to hunt those idiosyncrasies which are costing the lives of women? In such a precarious state, when there is a dire need to eradicate these fallacies, we would expect Mr. Shahi to come up with more masterpieces that can bring a true change in society.

 

Review By: TLM Editorial Team