Updates from India: The Importance of Combatting Shame Around Menstruation

In a tragic incident late this week, a young girl in South India committed suicide shortly after being publicly humiliated by her teacher. Her teacher made her exit the classroom and stand outside in the hallway after noticing a blood stain on her clothes. Globally, women and girls continue to face stigma, taboo, and cultural beliefs that shame and embarrass them for menstruating. In parts of India, they are often seen as “impure” and cultural beliefs can keep women and girls out of the kitchen, temples, and schools while they menstruate.

Our hearts break for this young girl and for her family. We believe that all women and girls are powerful, and that menstruation is something that should be celebrated, not shamed. Through education, global campaigns, and the empowerment of local leaders, we strive to create a world where women and girls are more free and dignified. By teaching both women and men, and boys and girls, about reproductive health and the menstrual cycle, we spread awareness that will destigmatize menstruation. Together, we can change this.

No girl deserves to feel ashamed of her body, and Days for Girls is committed to smashing the stigma that is commonly associated with menstruation. At Days for Girls, we stand up for women and girls, and we recognize that every girl matters.