Writing and art on menstruation
A pathbreaking anthology on the diverse experiences of menstruation in South Asia.
Menstruation is a topic often buried in fear and shame. Its discussion is even taboo in many societies. But menstruation is a healthy and fundamental bodily process.
A worldwide effort is now firmly underway to bring conversations about menstruation and menstrual health into the open.
Period Matters carries this important endeavour forward.
Period Matters brings together a breadth of perspectives from well-known figures as well as those whose voices are missing from the mainstream.
Essays, artwork, stories and poems from policymakers, entrepreneurs, artists, academics, activists, as well as interviews with those at the margins, such as the homeless and those living with disabilities, explore myriad aspects of how menstruation is experienced in South Asia.
A collection of breathtaking scope and significance, Period Matters illustrates with power, purpose and creativity both the variances and commonalities of menstruation.
Postcards
International Menstruation Health Day 2025
On International Menstrual Health Day 2025, Farah conducted a workshop on Period Matters at the Nairobi Contemporary Art Institute. Participants engaged with different mediums of art, poetry and advertising depicting menstruation.
Book Club: Period Matters
Book club held at the Nairobi Contemporary Art Institute on 28th May 2025.
For this Menstrual Health Awareness Month, the book club explored the power of art in challenging period stigma.
Hillcrest Community Run
The Annual Hillcrest Community Run was held this year on Sunday 4th May in support of the Panties with Purpose Campaign. The event was dedicated in memory of Mischa.
New books in South Asian Studies
Farah is interviewed by Zana Mody, an English DPhil student at the University of Oxford who works on postcolonial Indian literature and art.
Period Matters includes contributions from
Aakar Innovations • Farah Ahamed • Granaz Baloch • Siba Barkataki • Alnoor Bhimani • Srilekha Chakraborty • Shashi Deshpande • Tishani Doshi • Lyla FreeChild • Zinthiya Ganeshpanchan • Goonj • Menstrupedia • Anish Kapoor • Rupi Kaur • K. Madavane • Amna Mawaz Khan • Sarah Naqvi • Ayra Indrias Patras • Victoria Patrick • Radha Paudel • Radhika Radhakrishnan • Lisa Ray • Mariam Siar • Shahzia Sikander • Shashi Tharoor • Meera Tiwari • Tashi Zangmo
Edited by Farah Ahamed
Publisher: Macmillan
Language: English
Publication date: 28 June 2022
www.panmacmillan.co.in
Paperback: 336 pages
ISBN-10: 9389104475
ISBN-13: 978-9389104479
Kindle: 16917 KB
Available to purchase
Period Matters
Lyla FreeChild
The book cover for Period Matters features “Aadya Shakti” by Lyla FreeChild
Aadya Shakti
Lyla FreeChild with artwork
My art was inspired by Lajja Gauri. Lajja Gauri is the lotus-headed Hindu goddess associated with abundance, fertility and sexuality. She is also known as Aadya Shakti (primal energy) and Bhu-devi (Earth goddess).
In my vision of her, I saw myself. In my painting you will see Lajja Gauri wearing thick bangles, toe rings, anklets and armlets which is the kind of jewelry I always wear. In order to do justice to what I had imagined, I photographed myself extensively. I wanted my art to be very personal and intimate. I had been harvesting my own menstrual blood for several years and had collected enough to use as paint. I was convinced this medium would allow me to reclaim the purity of menstrual blood.
Art for sale
Lyla FreeChild has made her artwork Aadya Shakti and Reflowering available as prints for sale.
These are A3 size Giclee Prints on Museum Etching Paper (high archival quality). Each print is individually signed by the artist. The original artworks were made using ink, acrylics and her menstrual fluid.
Purchasing Lyla’s artwork helps to support her and her art practice. Each print is priced at £30 (GBP 30). If you are interested, please contact us.
Raqs-E-Mahvaari
Why Period Art Matters
A live session held on Thursday 8th December, hosted by Pan Macmillan India. Celebrating Dignified Menstruation Day. With Farah Ahamed, Granaz Baloch, Lyla FreeChild and Amna Mawaz Khan.
