Menstrual education process among adolescent girls in Goa

Abstract

The process of learning about menstruation, bodily changes and sex reflects the socio-cultural situation in society. The teachings regarding menstruation within the family, formal education system and society have been analysed in this paper to understand learning and un-learning process which takes place. The menstrual lessons through cultural practices and language usage are closely looked at which educates the adolescent girl about menstruation. The formal school teaching about the body, state and voluntary organisation's interventions on this health aspect of girls is analysed in the paper to understand the probable dilemma in the minds of adolescent girls about menstruation. The inferences are drawn from narratives shared by 150 college going adolescent girls in Goa.