ANN/THE STAR – For 12-year-old Aini Abdullah, her first period was a traumatic experience despite her mother’s efforts to prepare her. Aini’s school uniform was soiled, leading to cruel teasing from some boys who labelled her “unclean,” “disgusting,” and mocked her for now having to wear “nappies.”
This bullying highlights a broader issue known as period shaming, which affects many girls and women.
Period shaming, the stigma and discrimination faced by people who menstruate, instils unnecessary embarrassment about a natural bodily function, explains Universiti Malaya Feminism Club (UMFC) president Chin Jes Weng.
The consequences are far-reaching, impacting girls emotionally, physically, and socially.
Many avoid physical education classes, miss school, or drop out entirely to escape the ridicule of their male peers.
To combat this, UMFC recently organised an exhibition aimed at raising public awareness about menstruation, debunking myths, addressing period shaming, and educating on period poverty and related health facts.
Dr May Ng, deputy president of the All Action Women’s Society (Awam), explains that period poverty refers to the lack of access to safe and hygienic menstrual products, menstrual hygiene education, and basic sanitation services.
Awam’s “Haid, Jangan Hide” (Don’t Hide When Menstruating) programme aims to tackle period poverty in Malaysia. Dr Ng points out that many are unaware that some communities cannot afford sanitary pads.
“It’s expensive, especially for poor families or day workers with minimal income. Consequently, some schoolgirls miss school during their periods,” she says.
This absence from school contributes to a gender imbalance, as boys attend school regularly while girls miss out during menstruation.
A study by Kotex Malaysia found that 50 per cent of Malaysian girls wish they could stay home from school when menstruating, and the same percentage report a lack of self-confidence during their periods.
Lim Yu Chien, managing director of Kimberley-Clark Malaysia, attributes this to the persistent stigma and taboo surrounding menstruation, compounded by inadequate education on the topic.
To address this, Kimberley-Clark Malaysia has produced two educational videos on period management and sexual reproductive health, set to be aired in national schools.
The videos were developed in consultation with medical experts, educators, and women’s NGO personnel to ensure accuracy and cultural relevance.
By confronting period shaming and poverty head-on, these initiatives strive to create a more informed and compassionate society, ensuring that no girl feels ashamed or hindered by a natural part of life.
