My First Period: Entering the journey of menstruation and womanhood

I can still remember getting my first period! The anxiety was overwhelming. I was curious when I saw my aunt placing her pad in her panties, to cut the story short, I remember the horror stories and extreme warnings exchanged between the women in my family. Some insisting I have to stay away from men, otherwise just a touch could get me pregnant. I laugh over it now, but the fear at the time had me convinced otherwise.

Today there is still shame, stigma and taboo attached around menstruation. Menstruation should be celebrated. It is meant to be and natural for anyone with a uterus.

In some cultures, a person’s first period is hugely celebrated however there are still regressive cultures which exist till date, who view this natural process as a taboo and stigma. Women are deprived from socialisation, refused the means to earning wages, and some are deprived from education.

So how do we encourage celebrating menstruation and female sexuality?

Education:

It is our responsibility to educate our young girls and to not just to the government, society or education system as only basic information is taught.

Starting to educate girls as young as seven years old is a good introduction on puberty, how the body begins to change and how you begin to experience and see physical changes. Using age-friendly terms, ensuring that the information is easy to digest and not too overwhelming.

Teaching them about different ways of fem-care, the different kind of products available, how they are used, but mostly the importance of choosing organic and natural products.

Education on the female reproductive system will allow young women to understand the purpose and benefits for menstruating. In addition to this it will provide them with confidence, self-awareness and the ability to voice any signs or symptoms of an abnormal cycle.

Education on sexual reproductive organs:

This is yet another complex topic of discussion and regulated by other glands and hormones. It can be overwhelming for some to fully understand, to also know the names or phrases of the reproductive system.

In light of this, I see it as important to educate on how the reproductive system works, the phases of menstrual cycle, and the activity that repeats every month. This will be informative of knowing when to expect your period and ovulation.

Staying silent about menstruation:

If our mothers, sisters, aunts or any female figure were open about the topic of menstruation, and any issues or problems they faced with their periods, then it would’ve thoroughly improved my relationship and approach to my own journey of menstruation. Furthermore, this would’ve given me the confidence to voice any concerns or issues I had.

I can’t remember a time growing up that my friends and I have had discussion over menstruation, how we feel, period cramps, which products to use. As mums, aunties, guardian we should ensure that the truth is spoken around menstruation, the importance of it, the right terms are used when speaking about it such as, vagina, ovaries, breast etc. Initiating an open discussion within your family, explaining your symptoms and creating a supportive environment for yourself, being truthful, honest and comfortable!

Menstruating is a thing of joy and pride! Which enables you to create life, should you wish too!

LET’S CELEBRATE OUR PERIOD AND GIVE IT A VOICE!

The more we talk about menstruation, the more we increase awareness and build confidence.

Be part of the movement to stop stigmatisation and myth of limiting women.

YOU CAN STILL BE 100% PRODUCTIVE AND ACHIEVE THE BEST WHEN MENSTRUATING!

We would love to hear about your very first experience, how you plan to break the chain and celebrate with the women in your life.