Book Review
Non-fiction | Social Science | Essays | Stories | Support
Period. End of Sentence.: A New Chapter in the Fight for Menstrual Justice sheds light on the stigmatization of menstruation. It’s time to break the silence around this natural process and educate people about it. Unfortunately, in many developing countries, menstruation is still considered taboo and discussing it openly is discouraged. This lack of education and access to menstrual products leaves women facing numerous challenges, including period poverty, and prevents them from fulfilling basic human needs.
The book tells the stories of women who have had to sacrifice their education due to shame and trauma associated with menstruation. Period poverty, a lack of access to menstrual products and facilities, compounds these issues, leaving menstruators to manage their periods in undignified and unsafe ways. This often leads to discrimination, humiliation, and exclusion from society. Fortunately, initiatives such as The Pad Project provide access to menstrual products globally and address these issues.
The emotional journey that the book takes you on is heart-wrenching. It brings to light the injustices around menstrual health and hygiene, and I found myself feeling sad and empathetic for the young girls in rural villages who have to go through such struggles. However, the book also shares stories of courage and strength that leave you feeling inspired and proud.
I particularly loved the idea of the Red Tent, a space where women come together to share their experiences, stories, and practices related to menstruation and natural cycles of life. It’s a beautiful way to celebrate our bodies and deepen our connections with each other.
This book is a powerful call to action for menstrual justice and basic rights for all menstruators. I would rate the book a 10/10. It’s a must-read for everyone, including men, to understand and support women’s menstrual health and hygiene needs.
Into Words 