In Pakistan, there are still a few strides to be made when it comes to discussing all things lady parts related, particularly menstruation. There are hems and haws and brown-bagging of all sorts. And then there is the well-meaning but awkward way these issues are tackled on social media.
May 26 was observed as Menstrual Hygiene Day
But it seems like many of the “Twitteratti” were more concerned about women being strong foundations for a society rather than the actual issues surrounding the menstrual cycle.
Not one of these tweeps highlighted what exactly happens during menstruation, just a lot of empty statements about menstruation and what a taboo it is in our society that were all a part of the “seminar-speak” that says a lot of platitudes that don’t mean anything.
The event took place in Islamabad and was meant to raise awareness about lack of proper sanitation and facilities for rural women but can someone please help us understand how would they benefit from a hashtag trending on Twitter? There are class, privilege and education lines intersecting here and even as I scroll through all the tweets related to the hashtag, there is very little of substance.
This one thought it is something to celebrate.
Its #MHMPakistan celebration of the Menstrual Hygiene Day 2016
ContentsMay 26 was observed as Menstrual Hygiene Day This one thought it is something to celebrate.And this poor soul thought it was an invitation to sex.Probably why they are trampled upon…And when told that he should quote stats about menstruation, he thought we should talk about something completely unrelatedMore banal statements that can be applied to anythingThis one is banal AND classistAnd finally,Cover Image via: todayifoundoutThis is What Every Man in Pakistan Needs to Know About MenstruationStudents Just Covered a Wall at BNU Lahore With Menstrual Pads and Shit Got Real— Siraj Muneer (@YourSiraj) May 26, 2016
Think he meant commemorate. Then again menstruation is not something to commemorate…
And this poor soul thought it was an invitation to sex.
@AtiyaAbbas men need such topics where they seek S x
— Zahid Bokhari (@ZahidBokhari2) May 26, 2016
Probably why they are trampled upon…
#Women are roots on which our society stands! #menstruationmatters #MHMPakistan
— KP (@khurrumpervaiz) May 26, 2016
And when told that he should quote stats about menstruation, he thought we should talk about something completely unrelated
@AtiyaAbbas agreed. Let’s also raise awareness about 90% Vitamin D deficient adolescent females in a Sunny country!
— KP (@khurrumpervaiz) May 26, 2016
More banal statements that can be applied to anything
Lack of awareness is what creates stigmatized tomorrow – raise voices, upgrade policies, challenge the already accepted #MHMPakistan
— KP (@khurrumpervaiz) May 26, 2016
This one is banal AND classist
Atleast someone is putting up efforts to educate the uneducated & create awareness. Every positive step MUST be appreciated! #MHMPakistan
— Bajirao (@M_Ahmad07) December 3, 2015
And finally,
Dear men tweeting on #MHMPakistan, you do realise that you’re not going to get a gold medal for being a decent human being, right?
— Basma (@HaseenaAtomBum) May 26, 2016
I appreciate the men tweeting on #MHMPakistan but some of you need to learn how spell “menstruation” first. Or just use the word “periods”
— Basma (@HaseenaAtomBum) May 26, 2016
Dear Pakistani men, here’s how you talk about #periods#MHMPakistan#menstruationmattershttps://t.co/r94CYlcqCypic.twitter.com/4xNYkcKugJ
— Aunty Karachi (@aunty_karachi) May 26, 2016
There’s no shame in talking about menstruation, just know what to really say.
Cover Image via: todayifoundout
Zarra ye bhee check karein:
This is What Every Man in Pakistan Needs to Know About Menstruation
Students Just Covered a Wall at BNU Lahore With Menstrual Pads and Shit Got Real
