Menstrual health education has the power to transform lives, challenging long-held stigmas and reshaping perceptions. In this heartfelt interview, Arunadevi, a 10th-grade student, shares her journey from ignorance and societal taboos to empowerment and advocacy after attending a menstrual awareness session in 8th grade. Her story is a testament to the impact of open conversations, education, and access to sustainable menstrual products. From educating her family to fostering self-confidence, Arunadevi reveals how one session not only changed her life but also inspired those around her.
Kalvi (our menstrual educator): What is your name?
Arunadevi: Arunadevi.
K: Which class are in?
A:10th grade.
K: When did you receive the menstrual awareness session?
A: When I was in my 8th Grade.
K: Ah ok.. Do you remember the topics covered in the session?
A: About periods/ Menstruation.
K: Before receiving the session, did you know anything about the period? Like, how does it happen?
A: I didn’t know anything about it.
K: How many members are there in your family?
A: We are 5. Myself, Amma, Appa, Grandma and my elder sister.
K: Before you hit your menarche, did your mother or any other family member give you any information about the period?
A: Nobody told me anything about it!
K: Ok, so before the session, you knew nothing about it. But after the session did you learn about periods?
A: Yes, I did.
K: What did you learn from the session?
A: Before the session, I thought period blood was dirty but post-session I learned that this is not true. Period blood is actually the uterus wall that is shedding as a result of the fertilization that did not occur. I also told my mother that period blood is not anything related to untouchability.
K: Ah good. Ok, so how did your mother respond to that?
A: She said, “Oh, is that so!” and ever since that conversation happened, my mother stopped saying period as untouchability. And she let me be normal like how I used to be for my other days (not on period).
K: Nice. Ok, before this conversation happened with your mother what did she say related to period?
A: She used to tell me that I needed to shower (head bath) for 3 days in a row, and asked me not to go to the place of worship during the period (Pooja room). And she asked me to sleep alone. Now it has all changed!
K: Do you think it is because of the conversation you had with your mother post-session?
A: Yes.
K: Do you see any changes in your life after receiving the session?
A: Yes Akka.
K: What are they?
A: I am not considering periods as dirty, or making any fuss about it anymore. I realized it happens to all the girls and it is a natural process. I have started educating the younger ones in my circle. I used to isolate myself from others before and now I am not seeing myself any differently.
K: Ah, so before did you consider yourself dirty/untouchable during your period?
A: Yes. I was told by my mother not to go inside the pooja room, not to go outside, also instructed to sleep alone on the floor. I was given a separate mat and pillow. Now after I passed on the learnings from the session to her, I am sleeping with my mother as I used to. This is a positive change in my life now:)
K: Ok… Now what product are you using for your period?
A: The clothpad that was given to me!
K: Ah, is it in good condition now after 2 years?
A: Yes, It is still in good condition/state.
K: Now that you have been using cloth pads, what differences do you see between disposable and cloth pads?
A: Ah..while using disposable pads I used to get infections like a burning sensation and itchiness. Now I am not getting anything like that.
K: So did you get an infection when you used disposable pads?
A: Yes, I did! Like an allergic reaction.
K: Now that you are using cloth pads that is not happening?
A: Not anymore!
K: How many cloth pads do you have now?
A: I still have all the 4 pads given to me.
K: It’s been 2 years now ever since the pads were gifted. Are they still in good condition?
A: Yes, it is still in good usable condition. But it looks old.
K: Did the size shrink?
A: No, not so much.
K: Do you use it in school also or only at home?
A: MMMM. Yes, I use it in school also.
K: So you are using only cloth pads to manage your period?
A: Yes, but for my last 2 periods I was also combining disposable pads to manage my period. Because my cloth pads look old, I want to prolong the usage of cloth pads for some more time. So I use both disposable and cloth pads now.
K: Ah. I see. Do you think your mother would purchase your cloth pads in that case?
A: This is the first time my mom has seen such a product. She doesn’t know where to get them. After 2 of my pads got damaged I did ask my mom. But she said she didn’t know where to buy:(
K: If you know where to get it from, will your mother buy it for you? Will she be okay with spending money on it?
A: Yes, she will.
K: How much do you spend on disposables?
A: Rs:40 per month.
K: If the cloth pads cost Rs:100 or Rs:120, will your mother be ok with buying it for you?
A: I think she will if I ask for it.
K: Who washed your cloth pads?
A: I only washed them.
K: Ok, how did you wash them?
A: It was easy to wash, Akka! When you gave the kits, the instructions leaflet was also there. I soaked the used pads in water for half an hour. The blood would get released into the water. After that, I use soap to wash it.
K: What do you feel about this session as well as the cloth pads given to you?
A: It was very helpful, Akka. The session was also very useful.
K: Do you receive such kind of sessions at school?
A: No Akka. Nobody ever gave us a session like this or related to such topics.
K: How many people did you educate after receiving this session?
A: I have educated everybody at home.
K: Ok, who all?
A: My Mother, my older sister. Even my grandma.
K: What did your grandma say?
A: She didn’t understand anything that I shared. She is still in her old mindset. I even shared it with my neighbourhood Akkas. They asked me where they could buy these cloth pads.I told them I don’t know where to buy.
K: Would you like to share anything with me?
A: Every year it would be nice if we get awareness like this.
K: We have already given awareness about this topic when you were in 8th grade. Won’t you feel bored?
A: Everytime I get my period I get so many different kinds of doubt.
K: Interesting! Like what doubt?
A: Every month when I get my period not on time, I have a painful period. Why is that happening?
K: Are you tracking your period?
A: Yes.
K: Ok tell me when did you get your last period?
A: Today I am on my period.
K: Ok Today is Aug 30. When was your last period?
A: Last month it was on 27th and the month before was 23.
K: Ah, I don’t see your period as abnormal. I will explain to you how to track again after our recording. Do you have any other doubts?
A: I am getting white discharge before my period.
K: Ok, do you remember from the session why we get white discharge?
A: No… I forgot..
K: Ok. No problem. I will explain
(The recording ended here. Kalvi explained again to Arunadevi how to track her period and about white discharge)
