Hello All, do you remember that girl in your school who would have to skip her classes two-three days a week? Or, do you remember how the teacher skipped a few lessons in the Biology class especially the ones about menstruation and reproduction? Or, how it was almost never that menstruation was discussed in our schools in a hygienic manner? Surprisingly so many of us could relate to this, since it might have been the case for so many of us! Menstruation due to the societal stigma attached to it has been considered as a taboo since time immemorial. From being asked to sleep separately in a room, sleep on the floor, skip school for a day or two, to being asked to leave school altogether; the list of discriminatory practices done against young girls/ women in the name of menstruation are endless. Affecting 23 million girls every year, menstruation has become the primary reason for young girls to quit going to schools! Astonishing, isn't it?

While our schools are vested with the chief authority to impart education in young children, it is very rare for them to be discussing menstruation hygienically. Statistically, 63% Indian schools never discuss menstruation in a hygienic manner with their students. With these figures along with the drop-out rates soaring an all time high every year in India, are we then not lagging behind in imparting our children the correct education? 

The taboos and myths around menstruation have been the major reasons for it to become a societal stigma affecting millions of girls every year, but is there any way for it to cease? Is there any way we can empower our children and do away with myths and taboos? Yes, there is! We start with educating our children about it, we start with initiating a healthy conversation around menstruation and we start with making these conversations inclusive for all, and most importantly we make these conversations mandatory for them in their schools!  

Taking simple steps in this direction; We, from The Period Story, with our petition demand that Menstrual Health Management sessions/ talks become mandatory in the schools of Varanasi. We demand from our MLA Mr. Saurabh Srivastava ( Varanasi, Cantt.) to take due cognizance of the issue and demand significant actions duly taken. It is our appeal to the School authorities/ management to acknowledge the need and importance of these sessions and to take due responsibility for the same. By signing this petition help us reach our desired goal and make MHM sessions available for all! 

Go ahead, utilize your time and voice by demanding for the right cause!