Extending the knowledge on periods and menstrual hygiene, and gifting cloth pads to girls with hearing and speech impairments marked new beginings for 2023. It’s been something that’s been on my mind given my brief exposure to the deaf community through the Indian Deaf Cricket Association.
Last year, I reached out to Ruma Roka, who has been a SABERA awardee, to discuss the idea of the #LetsTalkPeriod session at the Noida Deaf Society. It would require a sign language interpreter to communicate the session to the girls and their mothers, who would also be invited to the 90-minute workshop followed by hot samosas and a soft drink.
On the 25th day of January 2023, WE conducted our very first session with a classroom of girls with hearing impairment along with some of their mothers. The girls were interactive from the word go and had lots of questions, observations, and comments. It was heartening to see that they weren’t shy to express their views on Periods or Menstrual hygiene! Maybe their inability to hear has cocooned them of the social constructs and taboos!
Their openness and confidence definitely reflected the safe space that the Noida Deaf Society and its teachers provide for them to help them live well-rounded life despite their disabilities. I was apprised of some horror stories of how deaf girls are extremely vulnerable and can be subject to exploitation by their own teachers. Being visually able, young deaf girls like all other teenagers, like to dress up and look good. There have been cases where the teachers have exploited them sexually, in the lure of a dress or jeans, the heinous acts being hidden in the girls’ inability to speak up for themselves.
We gifted the girls, 20 LAADLI Kits(containing 5 cloth pads, 2 jackets, and I small purse ) that were received pro bono from Stonesoup trust. The girls were also taught how to use, wash, dry, and store them.
The feedback from the girls post the session was humbling and I am grateful for this opportunity.
Karishma was the Indian sign Language interpreter. The only request I had to heed was to go slow. On average, an interpreter is required to take a break after 60 minutes but Karishma was just as passionate about it.
We wrapped the session, as usual with some yog asanas and simple home remedies to address irregularities through periods including cramps, body aches, and rash but the most important factor is to reinforce a positive association with this natural regular cycle that mother nature has bestowed on us to sustain the universe. This also helps allay a lot of these symptoms when we look forward to the periodic cycle.
Incase, you would like us to conduct this workshop in your institute or organization, do write to us at womanendangered@gmail.com or suparnaa@simplysuparnaa.com
You can also contribute here to help us reach out to more girls and women with the #LetsTalkPeriod session and to gift a sustainable menstrual hygiene solution of a menstrual cup or cloth pad.
