Let us examine the meaning of GBV as defined by the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW),“Violence that is directed against a woman because she is a woman or that affects women disproportionately.” More generally, GBV can be ``any act of violence that results in, physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women and girls, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life''.  Additionally, it is globally recognized that GBV has no boundaries across nation borders, cultures, class, race, sexual orientation, or religion.  Thus, it is evident that GBV is the consequence of power and privilege and the unjust distribution of power in society.  Power is dynamic and there are many ways to construct/hold power, one of which ways is directly related to menstruation. Regardless of an individual's identity, approximately half of the earth’s human population has/is going through menstruation.  However, while menstruation is a global truth, normal and biological, everywhere there is some form of taboo, stigma, or restriction during menstruation. All restrictions live on the spectrum and there are various forms of restrictions, some are visible while others are not, some are popular in the media and some are not, some are backed by religion, some with poverty and so on.

 

Therefore, keeping GBV’s definition in mind, it is evidently clear that girls, women, individuals who menstruate regardless of caste, class, race, education, religion, nationality are subject to various forms of visible violence due to the invisible violence sustained by deep ignorance on menstruation, biases on menstruation as a “women's issue” or a “private issue”, and global silence due to stigma and shame.Due to the stigma, shame, and taboo around menstruation, there are adverse immediate and long-term impact on one's mental, physical, emotional, and socialhealth including all forms of gender- based violence, rape, murder, sexual assault, death, and more. Due to the dissentient value imposed on menstruation and menstruating individual, their inter and intra level of peace is destroyed. Their human rights (right to dignity, right to food, right to health, right to education, right to mobility) is significantly compromised at multiple layers throughout their life cycle. These rights are also globally recognized as constitutional rights in many nations like Nepal. More importantly, these rights are directly connected to one’s inalienable human rights which are global.

 

Here, there are various global studies which show evidence on GBV which are linked with the impact of menstruation discrimination. Likewise, international statistics show that globally girls and women suffer from GBV

Through analysis of statistical evidence, definition of GBV, and the impact of menstrual restrictions/practice, the intersectionality between GBV and menstruation are clear. We can only imagine how much suffering and GBV was constructed due to menstrual discrimination before we started talking about the Human Rights Declaration 1948 or Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women 1979 or Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women 1993 or Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action 1995 or Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination 1999 among girls and women globally because menstruation, as a natural, biological, and inevitable process since day 1 of the human existence.  In empirical analysis, it is evident that the  mortality and morbidity rates are increasing both in prevalence and incidence among girls and women due to childbirth, pregnancy, reproductive diseases, STI’s, HIV, and GBV violence; furthermore it is evident that the majority of these deaths are preventable but are delayed in diagnosis and treatment due to shame, stigma, and taboo. In order to mitigate and ultimately eliminate these disparities, it is essential that menstruation is a top priority and entry point for human rights and women’s health.

 

From the data above, it is indisputable that GBV is prevalent across the entire globe in various ranges and forms and is significantly impacted by menstrual restrictions/practices. Today, there are global efforts being made to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development 2015. In order to achieve these goals, “dignity during menstruation” or “dignified menstruation” must be highly prioritized due to having significant connection with many goals: Goal 1 -No Poverty, Goal 2-Zero Hunger, Goal 3-Good Health and Well-being, Goal 4- Quality Education, Goal 5-Gender Equality, Goal 6-Clean Water and Sanitation, Goal 8-Decent Work and Economic Growth directly and indirectly.

 

Menstruation is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon of this universe and simple truth of human life.  It is not simply the average 5 days of bleeding or approximately 7 years of bleeding. It is also not only one’s reproductive years; it is the whole experience of human life.  Thus, `Dignified Menstruation' is simply a holistic approach or comprehensive approach to encompass menstruation and mitigate discrimination against menstruation and the subsequent consequence. This framework applies from the womb to the tomb and is not only limited to “women” but to all individuals who menstruate, including transgender men as well as individuals who do not menstruate, thus the whole planet. Therefore, `Dignified Menstruation' is everyone's business. It is the way of perceiving menstruation as a human rights issue and holding all of us accountable to eliminate discrimination and assure dignity. Each individual deserve dignity during menstruation where there is no form of any discrimination, abuses, stigma, shame, restrictions or any form of harmful act during menstruation and inevitably outside of menstruating days too. Simply, it is a form of no differentiation between 25 days and 5 days in a month^[2]. It is the concept beyond hygiene, menstrual products, and clean infrastructure where health, education, water, sanitation, human rights, empowerment and environment have to simultaneously intersect.For details:

Simply, there is a critical need for global recognition and awareness of menstruation as a human rights concern. In order for governments and other organizations to prioritize menstruation, there is a need for global attention and celebration. Due to its direct relation to GBV and gender equity, it will be most impactful to end all forms of GBV as well as promote human rights.

 

Each day from Nov 25 to December 10 is precious and important but December 8 falls on the international human rights month.

 

By considering the essence of menstruation, every day is menstrual day. To go beyond the hygiene and infrastructure and see it through an overarching human rights perspective, there is a need for a special day of celebration.

 

Dignified Menstruation for ending GBV and ensuring inalienable Human Right.

 

This national non-profit organization instituted by the young people in order to replicate the approach and philosophy of Author and Activist, Radha Paudel. We stand for the dignity of the individuals who are marginalized, oppressed and discriminated.For details: www.radhapaudelfoundation.org

 

Here in Nepal, Radha Paudel Foundation and its partners will be marking

 

At lgobal level, the friends and partners of Global South Coalition for Dignified Menstruation will mark at various country across globe.

Therefore, Radha Paudel Foundation will urge each of you to mark this day and encourage to save your daughters, granddaughters and entire planet for the sake of human right.

 

Please follow the social media of ours and use as much as possible from your side with followings tags:

#December8DignifiedMenstrualDay

#DignifiedMenstruation

#16daysVAW2019

#December82019

 

Know your cycle, understand your cycle, use your cycle.

“This is tradition” “This is our sanskar” “This just IS” Thousands of multiple versions of these sayings are used as justification for menstrual restrictions in every corner of this globe. Blatant oppressive tactics are hidden behind culture and religion and used as a proxy to continue to discriminate and oppressed individuals who menstruate. This is used by all players in society: outsiders ( individuals who do not menstruate), the menstruating individuals themselves, and society in large to justify the maintenance of this inequitable structure. Using this fear-based psychological tactic, it is easy for individuals who bleed to internalize discriminatory values around menstruation such as impurity of menstrual blood so that they police themselves and others in the process of “ upholding culture”; as well as easy for individuals who do not menstruate to police and regulate individuals who bleed in order to ensure that they are following restrictions so that the culture is upheld by every single individual no matter the detrimental physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual cost to individuals who bleed. However, dignity during menstruation is an inalienable birthright that every single HUMAN BEING deserves regardless of their birthplace. Our religion is OURS to change, Our Culture is OURS to change to one that is equal, to one that does NOT discriminate against menstruation.

 

The consequences of discrimination against menstruation, the negative social value assigned to menstruation and menstruating people is not limited to when an individual begins to menstruate and when they enter menopause, stop bleeding.
Rather, it is a never ending cycle that begins with birth, experienced through its impact on gender roles due to menstruating feature, observed through discriminating practices in play through family or friends in prepubescent period, then experienced personally during menstruation period ( majority of life), changed in their perimenopausal period and then finally in menopausal period until death.
At every stage of the cycle, there is discrimination, stigma, taboo, and harmful practices which result in negative social, physical, mental, and emotional state of every menstruating individual which impacts their everyday life and their ability live full and fulfilled lives.
Menstruation is not a byproduct of life, it is the center, the beginning and the ending which unless seriously and critically mitigated to eliminate discrimination, center dignity, conduct intensive research on and learn of, will continue to adversely impact every individual, globally.

 

Within the vulnerable population of menstruating individuals impacted by discrimination against menstruation, individuals who menstruate and have a physical, mental, or emotional disabilities are further marginalized and susceptible to extreme adverse consequences of discrimination compared to able-bodied individuals due to social stigma, shame, oppressive policies, legislation, and general discrimination against disability.
It is essential to prioritize the needs of sub-marginalized groups within the vulnerable population of individuals who menstruate as their intersectionality of identities further puts individuals at risk of oppression and discriminatory behaviors. Individuals with disabilities may have physical, or mental difficulties to obtain or use menstrual products, voice their needs during menstruation and lack of bodily autonomy which is aggravated by social discrimination against menstruation and its implications.
It is critical to advocate for, and be an ally to individuals with disabilities and fight for their right to dignity during menstruation; there can be no success without the complete liberation of ALL bodies.

The Dignified Menstruation movement is not limited to individuals who identify as Women and Girls who menstruate but to ALL individuals who menstruate regardless of their gender identity.

Approximately 26% of the globe is actively menstruating and of “reproductive age”, while an underestimate of 10% of the globe is actively identifying as LGBTQ+.(UNICEF). Thus, without the inclusion of LGBTQ_ individuals rights and dignity, it is impossible to achieve dignified menstruation for all.

LGBTQ+ individuals are another sub-marginalized community within the menstruating community due to their intersectionality of gender identity and sexuality. LGBTQ+ individuals are discriminated in private, public, and through the institution; increasing their risk of physical, emotional, and mental violence. Transgender individuals are further marginalized due to their gender non-conforming identified which can often conflict with their ability to menstruate or not.

It is vital for the menstruation movement to be inclusive in various ways like:
A) In their use of language:
“Individuals who menstruate” vs Women and Girls; “Pregnant people” vs pregnant women
“ Reproductive rights and justice” vs Women’s rights
B) Inclusion of trans women and men and non-gender binary folks in menstrual studies, discussions, and open forum
C) sectors of the movement should be led by LGBTQ+ individuals.
D) Special considerations for extra protection of LGBTQ+ rights in the dignified menstruation and overall reproductive justice framework.

 

Menstruation & the Environment
It takes approximately 500 – 800 years for sanitary napkins to decompose in landfills (Down to Earth).
This means that our waste is here LONG after we will be gone. Menstrual products are a necessity for hygiene, health, and dignity. It is critical that menstrual products are both affordable and environmentally sustainable. As the effects of climate change grow and we bear the consequences, it is vulnerable communities who have and will primarily face the most adverse consequences of climate change – this means individuals who menstruate.
It is imperative that the menstruation movement is an environmentally sustainable movement to mitigate climate change and its effects on the most vulnerable. Additionally, there are harmful chemicals in popular “ cheap” menstrual products which are both harmful to the user and the environment.
One personal favorite to significantly reduce chemicals, economic, and environmentally sustainable is the menstrual cup. Although the initial purchase of a menstrual cup can be relatively more expensive than menstrual pads or tampons, it is reusable, biodegradable (varies), and free of toxic chemicals.

 

The Insidious reach of discrimination against menstruation is so extensive that it is almost unimaginable. Like a spider with eight legs, the evil, negative value given to menstruation and the individuals who menstruate reach into all the different aspects of one’s life, from one leg in the physical body, one in the social value, and one in the mental and emotional value. These all contribute to ones inherent value of self and how the society views themselves.

In early-mid September, A innocent young girl ( name unknown) in Kenya lost her life due to the many legs of menstrual discrimination and its impact on her inherent value to herself and to society. She killed herself after she was shamed and mentally /emotionally harassed by her school teacher, called “dirty”, after getting her first menses during school and physically isolated from her learning environment due to soiling her clothes with blood.

This was a tragedy. But more than that it was murder. Murder by the teacher who has internalized the discriminatory principles of menstruation, who has subjected her student to shame and isolated her to ‘teach” her that she is “dirty” because she is menstruating. Murder by the hands of a society that supports these ideals. At this young age of puberty, her mental state is forming and developing and at this critical stage of many changes in her body, she is subjected to shame, stigma, isolation ( physical or mental), this is what led to her murder.

It was a murder by the lack of dignity.

We fight on for #dignifiedmenstruation because it is not the simple lack of menstrual products or clean toilets or lack of hygienic practices that caused this murder. It is the result of the lack of dignity given to this young life that was just proceeding through a natural processes. It is the lack of dignity that kills thousands of lives just like this one.

 

International Girls day, October 11th.
First and foremost, we must acknowledge that “girls” here, we define as cis-girls AND Trans-girls. Not every girl bleeds but elimination of discrimination against menstruation helps every girl.

To simply say we need to protect girls is an understatement. In this patriarchal system, where girls are individually and systematically oppressed in every sector of society from Gender-based violence, sexual harassment, unequal pay, low social value, domestic violence, violence specifically against trans-girls, menstrual discrimination and more, there is a critical need to not only protect our girls but to eliminate the very things they need protection from and empower to lift their voices and lives.

1. U.N. Report: 50,000 Women A Year Are Killed By Intimate Partners, Family Members. these figures are a gross underestimate due to the nature of data collection through self-reporting globally. (UNODC 2018)
2. This is mostly from Men – husbands, and family members participating in honor killings.
3. There is unfortunately little to no data on hate crimes for trans-women.
4. 12 Black trans women have been violently killed in USA in 2019 alone
5. Since January 2013, HRC has documented at least 128 transgender people who were victims of fatal violence; at least 110 were transgender people of color. Nearly nine in every 10 victims were transgender women and 45 percent of all domestic deaths occurred in the U.S. South. (HRC)

These numbers are real and this hate, violence is constructed and real against girls, and while not all girls menstruate, without eliminating discrimination against menstruation, the only physical indicator used as a proxy for “girls” and the idea of a “girls” as a gender construct, it is impossible to mitigate violence against girls. Without holding folks with power accountable like men and boys it will be impossible to achieve gender equity.

For girls that bleed, the first step is to provide dignity during menstruation, so that the very first distinction of their identity is not one full of shame, stigma, violence ( invisible and visible) but one full of power.