Menstruation, an intrinsically biological phenomenon, is frequently considered negatively by society. It stems from global myths, superstitions, and taboos. Farah Ahamed, a human rights lawyer and activist, effectively collated the varied menstrual experiences in her anthology Period Matters: Menstruation in South Asia. The anthology includes poetry, interviews, artwork, and other works by diverse writers, sheds light on the stigma associated with periods, and the challenges women face from menstruation.
This paper focuses on the theory of the techniques used by patriarchal societies to manage the human body, particularly that of women. It examines the experiences of numerous menstruators in the book Period Matters through a body politics lens. The study also tries to document the reality in which men objectify and control the female body. Furthermore, it investigates how numerous women have embarked on a quest to dispel stereotypes about menstruation.
Period Matters: Menstruation in South Asia has been rightly composed and published by Farah Ahamed at such a time when the discourses surrounding menstruation are out in the open. She has done a remarkable job in bringing together a whole range of experiences within one single book. It’s not just women who express their concerns, even the queer community find their voice in the war cry ‘Not all women menstruate, and not all who menstruate are women.’ Similarly, she has included every menstrual experience, both oppressive and radical, traditional and progressive and even discusses the necessity of menstrual dignity, or the dignity of the ‘self.’ She interviews not only the established business class, but also the labour class, including the sanitation workers, and the homeless. Each of these experiences are relevant in understanding the politics of menstruation.
Hima-Madhu_Crimson-Realities-Navigating-the-Body-Politics-Nov-17.pdf
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