Even though it’s the 21st century, we have failed at normalizing menstruation and periods. There is so much of still shame and stigma surrounding periods in our society. There are so many people who still see periods as disgusting rather than a process that is responsible for human existence.
In one such incident, a man from Gujarat’s Vadodara has sought a divorce from his wife after she failed to reveal that she was on her periods on the day of their wedding.
In his divorce petition that he filed in the family court, the man said that he and his mother were shocked to find out that the woman was menstruating at the time of the wedding. What he added next shows how even in the 21st century, as a society, we are struggling with the age-old stigma attached to periods.
As per ToI, the man added that his wife told him about her periods a few moments before visiting a temple for prayers after completing the marriage ceremony. He further claimed that his family’s ‘faith was violated’ over the issue.
The couple tied the knot in the last week of January 2020. While the man works in a private firm, the wife is a teacher.
Additionally, the husband claimed additional marital issues like the bride asking him to install an air-conditioner and asking him not to contribute to the monthly expenses of the house.
Though it is fine for any couple to separate because of their differences. But, what isn’t fine is to use stigma related to periods as one of the key justification to seek separation. It is high time that society stops penalizing women for their periods. Period shaming should have no space in the 21st century.
If as an educated individual, we can’t respect menstruation for being the key process that allows human existence on this earth, then what’s the use of such education.
At IFORHER, we hope more individuals will raise their voices against period shaming. Because period shaming has no place in a civilized society.
