The ban on the release of Pad Man has opened up a very important debate in Pakistan.
People in Pakistan, mostly women, have become more open to discussing personal hygiene and are raising awareness regarding various aspects of menstruation
This includes menstrual hygiene, the use of sanitary napkins, tampons and cups, along with the need of making these products readily available to women in the society. At the same time, people are also addressing the idea of shame attached to this natural bodily function and want to urge people to be more open about it, so that an issue can be addressed.
We all bleed differently. Some bleed thick, others at a pad an hour. Some have crippling pain, others feel super low….
Posted by Girls at Dhabas on Donnerstag, 15. Februar 2018
A post by Facebook user Mahmudul Amin was also immensely appreciated by many when he shared his experience trying to buy a sanitary pad
People applauded him for how he aptly pointed out how women are expected to hide all details regarding menstruation.
Couple of months ago, I visited a pharmacy to get sanitary napkins. The shopkeeper, with a judgmental stare on his face…
Posted by Mahmudul Amin on Freitag, 16. Februar 2018
Javaria, however, used the medium of a poem in order to highlight the issue
This is dedicated to all the women who have been suffering in silence due to this patriarchal society that prohibits them from talking about their menstruation issues.
It's time to talk. It's time to reply. To all the "Haw Hayes".#ReplyToHawHayehttps://t.co/U61BGVlo7r
— Javaria (@JavariaWaseem) February 17, 2018
The poem is a wish that the boys of the generation are taught about the body and its functions, so that they don’t miss out the lecture on menstruation.
This will push them to understand how important it is to talk about these things and not label it as behayai because it’s basic education.
Many were quick to appreciate the effort and encourage more work from Javaria
Other day a friend showed me your channel on YouTube. Beautiful filmmaking. One of the most underrated accounts on YouTube.
— Minhal Raza (@Minhal512) February 17, 2018
loved it sm
— hamza (@depressionade) February 18, 2018
Your voice is beautiful MashaAllah. Absolutely loved hearing it. And wonderful poem with a strong message. Glad someone put it out there.
You’re wonderfully talented. MashaAllah. Hope you get the best in life. InshaAllah. God bless you. ✨?
— M. (@yerrawizzard) February 17, 2018
So so so so good!! Uff!!! ???
— Haseeb Sultan (@haseebsultan_) February 18, 2018
No matter how awkward this makes you but it is very important to get to know about one’s own body
The fact that we conveniently cut out chapters of biology addressing the human body should be a cause of concern because it strengthens misconceptions. This is the reason that we have not been to do away with archaic notions. At the same time, a lesson in biology must be compulsory for everyone. No one should miss out on things that impact our daily lives and understanding our own body is certainly one of them.
More power to you all, let’s keep the debate running!
How I Learned About Sex, Menstruation And The Human Body As A Pakistani Girl
Here’s How The First Time I Got My Period Was A Bloody Disaster
cover image via gurl.com