Having grown up with the stigma of menstruation deeply ingrained in our minds, the concept of celebrating this natural process seemed extraordinary to me. I couldn’t help but think how wonderful and affirming it would be for young girls to have their periods celebrated, to feel embraced and supported as they step into this new phase of life.
Yet, as I delved deeper, my feelings became more complex. While it was heartening to see periods being celebrated with enthusiasm, I was also troubled by certain aspects of the celebration. The practice of treating 12–13-year-old girls as adults, imposing food restrictions on them, isolating them in separate rooms, and denying them access to the kitchen or utensils, left me with mixed emotions.
In my eyes, menstruation is a profound and beautiful process, as it holds the power to create life. It is, in essence, one of the most sacred aspects of existence. Yet, the fact that it is often misunderstood and shrouded in misconceptions leaves me disheartened.
This duality of celebration and restriction highlighted the complexity of the issue and fuelled my passion to create a narrative that honours and supports young girls in a more balanced and empowering way.
Celebrate women not periods!
And the narrative I envision centres around the idea that we should celebrate women, not just periods. It is about acknowledging and honouring women in all their forms, in every circumstance and situation. Women are the architects of the world, the bearers of life, and that is an eternal truth. It is time we recognize their worth and accord them the respect they so rightfully deserve.
