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Journalism of Courage
Periods remain one of the most stigmatised and misunderstood aspects of women’s health. Fatima Sana Shaikh’s recollection of a deeply personal and traumatic incident sheds light on the social discomfort and shame often attached to menstruation.
In an interview with Hauterrfly, the actor shared, “Mere saath yeh incident hua tha… it was traumatic for me. So, I was going somewhere and I was wearing white pants… and I leaked. I didn’t know. You know stalls hote hain na jaha pe raste pe kapde hote hai. Toh main aise dekh rahi thi (You know those stalls on the roadside where clothes are displayed, right? So, I was just looking at them like that) and everybody was staring at me. Mereko laga ki kyu stare kar rahe hai, kya main achi lag rahi hu ya kuch aur problem hai? (I wondered why they were staring at me—was it because I looked good or was there some other issue?) So I couldn’t understand. Matlab ye poora good one hour chal raha hoga (I mean, this must have been going on for a good one hour). I reached home and I saw, like, fully red behind and I was like, ‘F**k, kisi ne mujhe bola hi nahi (No one even said anything to me).’ I mean, bol do na ki yaar aapko periods ho rahe hai (At least tell me that ‘you’re on your period’). Other women or somebody should have told me. Kitna social stigma attached hota hai usko leke (There’s so much social stigma attached to it).”
This incident is a stark reminder of how cultural taboos and societal perceptions can cause emotional distress and lasting psychological impacts.
Sonal Khangarot, licensed rehabilitation counsellor and psychotherapist, The Answer Room, tells indianexpress.com, “Societal stigma often labels menstruation as ‘dirty’ or ‘embarrassing,’ fostering shame and secrecy. This pressure to conceal periods can lead to heightened self awareness and anxiety, undermining self esteem. Individuals may internalise such beliefs about themselves, leading to feelings of inadequacy or inferiority. Over time this can turn into stress, social withdrawal and even depression.”
Public embarrassment such as unexpected leaks can lead to humiliation, anxiety and a heightened fear of judgment, notes Khangarot, adding that this fear can make people “overly conscious in public settings, limiting their social interactions and causing avoidance behaviour.” If such incidents are frequent or unresolved, they can result in long term emotional distress, including feeling of shame, low self esteem, and heightened vulnerability.
Khangarot suggests three ways to do so:
Open Communication: By talking about what happened with close, trusted people can provide emotional relief and reduce feelings of isolation.
Education: Understanding that menstruation as a normal physiological process can help combat internalised stigma.
Preparation: Carrying extra menstrual products, change of clothes, can help an individual feel more prepared and confident.
Khangarot states, “Clean and private restrooms with adequate disposal facilities allow individuals to manage their periods with dignity, such provisions reduce stress and promote a healthier attitude towards menstruation.”
Providing accessible or free menstrual products in public spaces, schools, and workplaces ensure individuals are better equipped, reducing anxiety and preparing unpreparedness.
