Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia on Monday urged all sections of society to break the cultural and societal taboos around the issue of menstruation and help normalise the discourse on the topic.
Sisodia, who also holds the education portfolio, was speaking at National Menstrual Hygiene Conclave organised by NGO Sachhi Saheli.
At the conclave, Sisodia talked about the challenges on breaking the silence on the issue of menstruation as lakhs of women suffer as the society turns a blind eye to their plight.
Sisodia spoke about also the need for including boys in spreading awareness about menstruation.
"The schools have become places within four walls where kids consume education. But, schools can play an important role in normalising issues that have become taboos over the years," the minister said, according to PTI.
"It shows our lack of communication that a simple bodily function has become a taboo. Boys, more than girls, need to be taught about it. So the girls and women can find a support system around them and not feel alienated," he added.
During his address, he mentioned the "Kishori Yojana" where sanitary napkins were provided free of cost to over seven lakh girls studying in Classes 6 to 12 in Delhi government-run schools.
The minister also mentioned that the Delhi government has requested the central government to abolish tax on sanitary napkins.
Social activist and director of Something Creative Leher Sethi said many illogical taboos surrounding menstruation still exist in India and people need to start from their own homes by openly talking about it.
"We need to realise as a society that menstruation is nothing to be ashamed of, or to speak in hushed tones about," Sethi said.
With IANS inputs