Role of media in the socio-cultural practices regarding menstruation

Dr Mohsina Rahman

Menstruation, menstruation myths, an overview of various media regarding menstruation.

Socio-cultural is a term used to define social and cultural factors which signify common traditions, beliefs and habits in a population group. Socio-cultural practices involve various forms, such as worship rites, birth, wedding and funeral rituals, traditional legal systems, etc. Additionally, there is an existence of cultural practices regarding menstruation in Indian society. Menstruation is always associated with myths and taboos, like avoiding entering the temple, not attending religious gatherings, not touching males and plants, and the like. These cultural practices hamper women's mental as well as emotional states. These socio- cultural norms regarding menstruation are more myths and less of facts, and the practices are traditionally growing with society. Women are deprived of various opportunities during menstruation and are not treated equally in society as men. That is why menstruation is unwelcome by a majority of women. Media is the most powerful entity in the world, and it can reach a broader audience through its various types such as Print Media like newspapers and magazines, Electronic Media like Television and radio, and New Media like the internet and social media. Therefore, there is no better alternative than the media to raise awareness regarding menstrual hygiene and break the myths and taboos about menstruation as much as possible. "World Menstrual Hygiene Day" is celebrated every year on 28th May worldwide to raise awareness regarding menstruation and provides safe hygiene practices to wipe out the social stigma and burst the bubble of myths and taboos in society. This paper intends to identify the extent of the roles played by different types of media to create awareness regarding menstruation and female hygiene practices during the menstruation cycle.

Volume 13 Issue 6, June-2025

Pages : j1-j24