By Uttara J Malhotra (MA, Digital Media)

It was one of those evenings when I received a sudden invitation to be part of the musical experience at Café 76 tucked away, behind the much-loved Falmer Bar. The topic was something I shockingly came to be made aware of, as something that still isn’t openly talked about, even in educational institutions amongst students. So, an evening of music that would attempt to talk about something like menstruation and taboos around it, took me by surprise.

But indeed, what a better way to tell the tales of suffering and ‘bleeding’ we know as menstruation, in a musical way, that unfolds stories of real people who struggle with no or minimal access to menstrual hygiene products each month. It was an evening of smiles, of conversations and more so, about celebrating Period Dignity and to gradually remove the stigma that surrounds menstruation. It is a fact that is shocking but as real as menstruation is. The ongoing stigma continues to cripple growing or grown individuals and makes them feel ashamed of this natural condition of their bodies. A lot of this is exasperated by poverty and lack of access to period dignity products as well.

Talking over some pizza and a few drinks were two women and a whole lot of men and women, who were willing to give an ear to this difficult topic. Spearheading the evening’s proceedings were two women- Jane Dancey and Dr. Chi Eziefula.  

Talking Difficult Things

The evening did see the presence of some concerned and astonished men. It was a welcoming gesture. Speaking on the occasion Jane Dancey said that what is considered a shame to talk about, needs to be talked about and acknowledged as a natural part of growing up as young individuals.

Dancey is a passionate advocate of feminine cyclical wisdom and the healing power of mindful somatic movement apart from period health and dignity, she is also an Embodiment coach and Menopause mentor as well. She spoke about the magical period bag that she carries around to sensitize individuals about menstruation needs. Dr. Chi Eziefula, a senior lecturer with the Brighton and Sussex Medical School, has been a passionate proponent of menstrual rights and period dignity. She addressed through a brief presentation the real problems facing young women across the world when it comes to acquiring period products for those ‘difficult days.’

It was heart wrenching to note that many have to drop out of school, ‘as an evident result of lack of period products, poverty and low economic status of families that can’t afford period products and thus prefer girls stay indoors and not go to school.’ The presentation brought out awareness and the fact that while it is not talked about, it’s a ‘natural challenge that needs empathy, support and care from all people in a family.’

Music Brings Us Together

The evening was marked by a musical extravaganza presented by the revolutionary brothers’ band the Ganda Boys, who have been promoting equal rights and period product access to girls in African countries, through their inspiring songs full of messages of real-life conversations with concerned mothers.

The Ganda Boys have won accolades for their unique storytelling style that communicates the fear, sadness and shame that young girls face at the hands of economic hardship on the onset of menstruation and throughout their growing years. They have used their music to also communicate emotions of these girls and their mothers.

About Period Dignity Project

The Period Dignity Project is an empathetic ‘quiet’ initiative that intends to make an impact in the lives of all those young people and individuals that find it tough to get access to menstruation products each month. Spearheaded by the School of Life Sciences, it is looking at widespread participation from the various schools within the university setup.

The humble initiative was started with making free period products accessible to young individuals in schools, which are showing interest to create a sense of awareness and dignity around period needs. The initiative still needs constant support from the University for appropriate funding and larger dissemination, that can support to start with access to period products to all in need. In support of this initiative the School of Media, Arts and Humanities have now made ‘care baskets’ available in the toilets across Arts A, Arts B and Silverstone. These contain a variety of free period products. Students and staff can also donate products at the School Office in Arts A7.