There are various misconceptions and taboos related to menstruation still widespread in Bhutan. Such beliefs are that women shouldn’t enter temples during menstruation, and even drying reusable pads is considered shameful among young girls and women. Experts say such misconceptions could have an adverse effect on their personal and social lives.
According to a survey done by UNICEF and several government agencies, over 80 % of schoolgirls and 40 % of nuns recognised menstruation as a physiological process.
However, about 50 % of survey participants did not know the causes of menstruation and considered the period as either a curse or a disease.
Most adolescent schoolgirls reported that during menstruation, a woman must not enter the shrine or temple. While some also agreed that women in menstruation are vulnerable to get possessed by an evil spirit.
According to Khenpo Nima, a research officer at Tango University, it is up to the women to visit or not. However, it is recommended to avoid it when they are menstruating.
“As per Buddhist beliefs, there are various impure objects, and the blood from menstruation is one of them. As the blood comes out of women, women are blamed it seems. We must remember it is the blood that is dirty, not women. However, there is no harm in not visiting temples or sacred shrines during their menstruation. We are saying this out of care and concern, and not out of hatred or dislike,” the Khenpo said.
Menstruation hygiene practices such as drying reusable pads are also considered shameful among young adolescent females. The study also shows most adolescent nuns and schoolgirls consider it important to buy sanitary pads without being seen by others.
“I did notice that men feel uncomfortable with the idea of buying sanitary pads. I recall one incident when I went to buy pads, and I had kept the package on the counter of the shop, and the male cashier felt a bit awkward putting the pads in my bag. So, I think there is still some awkwardness to this topic,” said Kunzang Dolkar Dorji, a student.
According to the survey, most adolescent schoolgirls miss school during menstruation since they fear being teased or made fun of.
“In my early primary school years, I did come across this incident where a girl was on her period and had some red stain on her kira. So, the boys teased her. I think she missed some classes after that and she also needed some counselling,” said Sonam Chuki Lhamo, a student.
While there are clear efforts from the Non-Government Organisations to encourage open discussion on menstruation, there are also girls and women who disagree with the statement that ‘it is important to talk about the menstrual period with men.’
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Sonam Dema/Kelzang Choden
