Is it Still Taboo for Desi Men to Know about Menstruation?

Menstruation is still a taboo topic in many South Asian communities.

While periods are a biological fact of life, menstruation and all it encompasses can be shrouded in the shadows.

The unease and silence impact women and men from, for example, Pakistani, Indian, Bangladeshi and Nepalese backgrounds.

However, there have been attempts to dismantle the taboo within diaspora communities and South Asia.

Consequently, is it still taboo for men to know about periods?

Within homes, are sanitary pads and tampons still hidden from men?

DESIblitz explores whether it is still taboo for men to know about menstruation.

The Positioning of Menstruation as a Female-Only Zone

Menstruation is often framed as a private, women-only matter in many South Asian homes and communities.

British Bangladeshi Ruby* revealed:

“Mum made sure me and my sister knew about periods from when we were super young.

“She didn’t want us to be scared when it happened to us. But my brother and dad couldn’t see the pads.

“Unspoken rule not to say anything about it in front of men. It was female-only info.”

“For one friend, Bengali like me, totally different. Her mum and dad made sure all of the kids, no matter gender, knew from a young age.”

Traditional cultural norms dictate that discussions about periods remain within female circles, leaving men uninformed. This exclusion reinforces stigma and prevents open dialogue about menstrual health.

By positioning menstruation as a “women’s issue”, men are excluded from vital conversations. This makes it harder for them to support female family members and others who may menstruate.

This also affects policy and workplace accommodations, as decision-makers—often men—lack awareness of menstrual health needs.

However, attitudes are shifting, and attempts are being made to break the cycle of secrecy, normalise periods and reduce shame.

Are Families Dismantling or Reinforcing the Taboo?

Family members, often women, play a crucial role in shaping and reshaping attitudes toward menstruation being a no-go zone for men.

British Pakistani Mohammed told DESIblitz:

“In my parent’s house, it’s all hidden. My sisters couldn’t say anything in front of Dad, my brother and me.

“I had no clue until I met my wife about what periods really are, what it involves. I don’t know how she does it.

“I’d joke when I was younger, saying, ‘They’re on the rag; that’s why they’re moody’. Now I know what a jerk I was without knowing.

“But my brother, one year older than me, doesn’t want to know. For him, like my mum, ‘it’s women’s business only’.

“Going to make sure my sons know so they can be helpful. And any daughters will know they can talk to me.”

The taboo around menstruation often leaves men uninformed about menstrual health and how to support women effectively.

Mohammed is committed to changing this dynamic for his family and future generations. He believes education within the home is key to breaking barriers.

Balraj*, who is from India and is currently working in the UK, stated:

“My parents always felt education was key; all of my siblings learnt about sexual health, periods and the rest. No unfair gender division.

“My dad has always said, ‘It’s a man’s responsibility to help and support women in their lives, and for all knowledge is power’.

“But I know many friends who had parents who thought the opposite. It results in lack of understanding and misinformation.”

For Balraj, dismantling gendered silence, sharing knowledge, and fostering open discussions within families are important.

Families can reinforce the taboo by positioning menstrual products as something to be hidden.

Nevertheless, some families are dismantling the taboo by, for instance, having open conversations and not hiding products.

The Impact of Menstrual Stigma

Menstrual stigma can affect young girls and women’s confidence, education, and health. It also stifles the knowledge men have on menstrual health.

Babbar et al. (2022), looking at menstrual health as a public health and human rights issue, stressed:

“Cultural norms, stigma, and taboos surrounding menstruation create further barriers to achieving menstrual health.”

Women in South Asian communities can face restrictions on movement, diet, and social interactions during their periods.

An extreme example can be found in Nepal and the illegal practice of chhaupadi.

Chhaupadi is a tradition that forces menstruating individuals, often young girls, into isolated huts due to beliefs that they are impure.

Despite chhaupadi being banned in 2005, the practice persists in some rural areas, risking women’s health and safety.

In turn, limited male awareness contributes to negative menstrual experiences.

British Pakistani Nabeela asserted: “I had super bad periods when I was younger. Barely could get out of bed and was pale like a ghost.

“Brothers would tease me since I wouldn’t talk; they made me feel even worse.”

“But I couldn’t say anything because of my mum and dad.

“If they had known, then they would have been different. When my brothers learnt later from outside, they changed.

“They would get me hot water bottles, painkillers, chocolate and things without saying anything.”

Families where men understand menstruation can provide better emotional and practical support.

Male engagement in menstrual equity initiatives is crucial for breaking societal taboos.

The Role of Education and Advocacy

People, movements and advocacy efforts are challenging taboos. This creates spaces for boys and men to talk and learn within families and communities.

Educating boys and men on menstruation is essential for breaking taboos and destigmatising periods.

Men, like fathers, can play an important role in helping change narratives around periods and assisting in building confidence.

Grassroots organisations are making efforts to break the menstrual stigma in South Asian communities in Asia and the diaspora. They also work to remove the taboo around men being involved in conversations.

For example, in 2022, a campaign in Kerala, India, let men experience period pain in a bid to break stigma and foster conversations.

Ranu Singh, the President of PERIOD in Bihar, India, is a menstrual health activist and educator who advocates for menstrual education for all.

Ranu’s organisation works to “make period products accessible to every menstruator” and educate people on menstruation health.

For him, more men must talk about periods to help break the stigma and myths that exist.

Moreover, Plan International in Nepal promotes sexual reproductive health rights (SRHR) through its Champion Fathers’ Group.

The programme highlights the important role of fathers and men within families and communities for young girls and boys.

For example, workshops are given so men can understand periods and menstrual health and then share this knowledge.

In every day life, there is still an overarching taboo around Desi men knowing about menstruation and being part of conversations.

Nevertheless, change is occurring as individuals within families and organisations challenge the taboo and push for openness.

Work to change problematic narratives and remove stigma is happening.

Menstruation must be recognised as a human and public health issue rather than a woman’s issue.

Supporting menstrual health needs to be seen as a shared responsibility.

Education, advocacy, and male allyship are essential for dismantling stigma.

South Asian men have a vital role to play in normalising menstruation. There is an ongoing need to remove the taboo that puts menstruation as a no-go zone for Desi men.