Let’s Talk Periods

Periods or menstruation is often treated with silence or embarrassment. Studies show that most young menstruators arrive at this experience not knowing the right words that are required to navigate through this experience in a meaningful and dignified way. Not knowing the right words and not having the right attitude most often make the experience a nightmare. To add to the misery, most youngsters receive wrong or unscientific information, words that are discriminatory and embarrassing stories through peer group. The story is the same across nations and across cultures. 

What needs to be Changed? 

The silence around menstruation is culturally constructed. An experience receives meaning when it finds expression in language. Not having words or language around an experience means the experience is not culturally validated. Such an experience is pushed to silence. The silence only strengthens the stigma around the experience. The stigma in turn strengthens the silence. Its important to break the silence -stigma cycle to find language and meaning of the experience of menstruation.  

Understanding Menstrual Literacy 

Menstrual Literacy is the understanding of the biological, socio cultural and psychological aspects of menstruation. The biological aspects include knowledge about puberty and reproductive system, menstrual cycle, hormonal changes and its impacts on body and mind. The socio-cultural aspects include how a society understands and talks about this experience. It is observed that most often cultural taboos and gender inequality define the languages in which the experience is discussed. This in turn affects the last but significant aspect of this experience namely psychological wellbeing. 

Research highlights a stark gap in menstrual awareness. A significant percentage of young menstruators report chronic feelings of unpreparedness when it comes to first experience of menstruation or menarche. They must rely upon equally unprepared peer group’s discussion, heresay and stories. These discussions are not sufficient to equip them to be confident menstruators. Young menstruators are most often left to work themselves through the web of ignorance in the absence of dignified and open platforms for discussion, seriously eroding the quality of this experience in the early years of the onset of periods. By the time they learn the right words and safe practices, they might have internalised many misconceptions and myth about menstruation, their own body and its needs. 

Why Menstrual Literacy Matters! 

1. Empowerment Through Knowledge: Menstruation can be an overwhelming and anxious experience for young menstruators. Understanding more about the experience can make the experience more manageable and even enjoyable. Knowing the experience helps young menstruators to be more prepared for each phase of the experience. Studies have shown that awareness of an experience reduces stress and anxiety around that experience. 
2. Improved Health Outcomes: Menstrual awareness helps one understand the changes and challenges of the time. This will also improve the readiness to encounter the experience and seek help when needed. For instance, light cramps are one of the most common PMS symptoms. But how do you know whether your cramp is light or something that needs medical intervention? You don’t have to suffer in silence. You can improve the quality of the experience. Similarly, there are many lifestyle changes one can adopt related to diet, exercise and hydration that can really help with smooth navigation of the experience. 
3. Increased Psychological Wellbeing: Open discussions around periods and avenues that normalize periods can take away the unwanted secrecy and silence surrounding the experience. This can have a direct impact on the psychological experience. Menstruators learn to own up this experience. Research shows that menstruators who have awareness of the experience expresses better psychological adjustments and improved body image and better self-esteem.  
4. Gender Equality:  Menstruation is never a question of women. It is a question pertaining to human life. But most often it is treated as a ‘woman issue’ and is relegated to the domain of the private. Menstrual awareness can debunk this myth and present it as a larger problem that needs the attention and intervention of nations, governments and developmental policies. Promoting healthy conversations and fostering non-discriminatory attitude towards menstruation not just among girls but also among boys can be the first step towards gender equity. 

The Role of Period Game in Promoting Menstrual Literacy 

1. Interactive Learning: A period game presents a fun filled opportunity for interactive learning. It grabs the attention of young learners. The vibrant colours and hues of a game provide a dynamic learning environment. The problem-solving nature of games promotes self-learning where children can take the role of active learners. Game also promotes collective learning where a bunch of self-motivated learners can unravel the mysteries of menstruation together. Interactive learning promotes retention and helps in meaningful ways to understand the real-world implications.
2. Safe Space for Conversations: A period game creates a safe space for conversations where every conversation will be treated with respect and in a non-judgemental way.  Game creates a platform for difficult conversations and not so popular  topics. It also reduces the shame surrounding the experience. The game helps to open players about experiences that are otherwise not easy to discuss. This collective sharing of experience creates strong peer group bonds and reduces the chances of bullying around periods. 
3. Building Empathy: Games that come with role play and imaginary scenarios of problem solving helps even non-menstruators to go through the experience. This in turn strengthens the emotional connection and builds empathy.  
4. Encouraging Collaborative Problem Solving: A period game creates occasions for collective problem solving. This improves teamwork and a sense of belonging. Young menstruators find this feeling of belonging is essential to imagining a healthy community around the experience. This will also help to break the stigma. 

Language and Experience: Reframing the Narrative 

Any experience gains meaning in the way it is positioned in the socio-cultural fabric. Language plays a crucial role in this positioning of an experience. A period game can change the language we employ to describe the experience of menstruation by consciously introducing new words, terms and scientific approaches to describing the experience. This can radically change how we perceive the experience. When the narrative changes the reality also changes. A positive language can improve self confidence and increase the resilience of young menstruators. 

Dignified Menstruation: A Collective Responsibility 

An individual menstruator who feels anxious or unsure of the experience need not negotiate this experience along. The confusion and alienation this experience can bring in can only be addressed through collective intervention. It is the collective responsibility of the society that the young menstruator feels empowered, heard and understood by the world. We need more inclusive practices and affirmative actions to let this happen. A period game can contribute in many ways to this journey towards dignified menstruation. 

Conclusion: A Game Changer of Menstrual Equity 

The impact of a period game extends far beyond the young children who play the game. It helps us reimagine the relationship we have with periods. It empowers young menstruators with knowledge. It gives the confidence to negotiate this experience with dignity and self-esteem. It breaks taboos in subtle ways. It gives voice to anxieties that are otherwise hard to express. It presents dignified menstruation as a greater human cause each one of us can contribute towards. It playfully subverts the existing language that discriminates against menstruators. Let’s play the game to change the world, one move at a time.