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Menstruation Health The topic of menstruation is quite often a taboo one. Despite the fact that half of the world's population menstruates at some point in their life, the subject is relegated to private settings and broaching the subject in public can even be considered offensive in some circles. However, there is no need for the secretiveness; we should embrace the natural processes of our grandmothers, mothers, sisters, wives, daughters, and women friends. |
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Logo - The Menstrual Hygiene Management Ring
http://www.wsscc.org/resources/resource-news-archive/menstrual-hygiene-management-ring
Imagery is important in conveying ideas. Vikalpdesign worked along with WSSCC - Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council and developed a logo - the 'Menstrual Hygiene Management Ring' to support and reinforce all of its work on menstrual hygiene. The ring helps to emphasise that menstruation is something to be proud of each month and something to be talked about. It is a symbol for breaking the silence on 'Menstrual Hygiene Management'.
Taking an oath to Break Silence
Menstruation repeats every 28 days - in a cycle. The ring has 28 beads, representing 28 days. Period days are represented by 6 red circles, other days by 22 circles.
The ring is symbolic - to break silence, to be open, to begin speaking on menstruation issues. This symbolism is transformed into a bracelet. The bracelets are made at workshops and meetings by the women and girls themselves. They are worn, all the women together take oath to always be open about menstruation, to support each other and never hesitate to seek support from men.
How is the bracelet made?
A pile of red and yellow beads are placed in the centre of the meeting hall. Each participant comes up and shares with others in the group - the number of days of her period. She picks up red beads corresponding to the number of days of her period. For example, if periods are for five days, she picks five red beads. To complete the bracelet of 28 beads - she then picks: 28 minus 5 , that is 23 yellow beads! The 28 beads were strung together. The bracelet is ready to be worn.
Photographs are from a community health training, Aga Khan, Nizamuddin Basti Health initiative.