The 'Secret' of Growing Up In the villages of Assam, a girl’s first period is often met with fear and confusion, not with knowledge or support. It becomes a secret burden, leading to missed school days, falling grades, and a loss of self-confidence.
Growing up near the tea gardens of Udalguri, 11-year-old Reena was full of curiosity and energy. One morning, Reena discovered something that filled her with panic- blood on her clothes. Terrified and confused, she rushed home to her mother. Instead of an explanation, her mother hushed her, whispering, "This is a secret. You are a woman now."
Living in Silence But what did that mean? No one explained. Instead, she was given a list of rules. She did not enter the kitchen, visit the temple, or talk to the boys. An old, ragged cloth was handed to her, and she was told to stay hidden away. For Reena, this "becoming a woman" felt like a punishment. She felt isolated, ashamed, and confused.
When her periods came, the fear of staining her clothes and being laughed at kept her from school. She would make excuses, miss classes, and do homework. The bright, curious girl began to fall behind, her confidence fading like a forgotten dream.
A Spark of Hope For many girls, periods feel like a curtain of shame has been drawn. But I believe that with awareness, this curtain can be lifted. I visited her school to talk about a topic often shrouded in silence: Menstrual Health and Hygiene. I explained to the girls that menstruation was a natural, healthy part of growing up, nothing to be ashamed of. We discussed how to use sanitary pads, the importance of staying clean, and how their bodies were simply changing as they were meant to.
At the end of the session, Reena approached me, her voice barely a whisper, "Didi," she asked shyly, "does this mean... I can still go to school during my periods?"
Blooming Beyond Fear Periods are a natural and normal part of growing up. Every girl should understand that they are a sign of strength, not something to feel shy, scared, or ashamed about.
Maintaining hygiene, using clean pads, and taking care of one’s body is essential for staying healthy. Awareness and knowledge about menstruation help girls feel confident, empowered, and able to continue learning, playing, and pursuing their dreams without fear.
Supporting girls with information and guidance ensures they can embrace this stage of life with pride and confidence, breaking the silence and stigma that so often surrounds it.
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