Ichhya KC

 I still remember the day I joined Padma Kanya for my higher study. I met a girl there whose first question still amazes me. She asked me if I get period or not as I’m visually impaired.

A highly educated girl, but the level of knowledge made me pity on myself and other people around who thinks, our physical difference abide us by natural processes.

I was twelve then. It was Friday and I was getting ready for the sleep when for the first time I felt blood leakage. It had an uncomfortable feeling. Even though I had heard about it before but experiencing it was different. I was confused and scared at that moment. I chose to hide it from my family, at least for that night. Taking twist and turn and watching clock, I prayed the night to last forever. I could not sleep even for a second. Dawn arrived and daylight was welcomed by sun, however I didn’t came out of bed. Somehow, gathering some courage I woke up and there was a big stain of blood in the bed which horrified my mother and my sisters.

Already disturbed, I was more horrified to see my family reaction. They sent me to the dark room beneath the stairs as I was not supposed to see sunlight for 12 days. Besides, I was not supposed to see my own father and brothers. I had to take bath early in the morning before anyone could see me.  I used sanitary napkin but had to change it during early morning or at night only. Furthermore, after cleaning it I could not dry it at sun so, at a cold place devoid of sunlight I used to hang napkins. I even fainted due to cold. It was disappointing to see my mother and sister as they didn’t gave me food on my hand rather used to pass me from far place as if I’m a prisoner or an animal. That behavior was not bearable for me so, I protested not to have food unless they give me on my hand. It was may be the first change I bought in my family. I was not asked to bath everyday at cold morning and was provided food with respect.

I was not born in illiterate family; however, it was not so easy to bring change. Being a female, I’m not supposed to enter temple during menstruation. I feel pity for these hypocrites who made such rules. Being on natural cycle defines me, but for 3 days every month, I need to face such a torture. Lack of toilet and water is an issue. Further, some are not feasible for people like us. During work or long travel, I try to avoid water and food as I cannot afford to search toilets or run towards jungle with my low visual. There are many times at work, when I took emergency leave because of period and the access to sanitation is not so satisfying. The most awkward situation is when I get period on way and have no idea where to find shop to get sanitary pad or toilet. I can walk and speak properly, but whenever I think about those in wheelchairs, I wonder what it feels like them to find toilet at public place.

The policies which are made for people are just made for the normal ones only not for the people with special needs like us. It’s my request to the government and other private sectors to include our needs as well. Regarding menstruation as a social taboo, only one thing I can say is that no any girl should face discrimination just because of her natural cycle rather should be taken care her needs.