When Maya experienced her first period, panic set in. She hurriedly scrubbed her stained sheets, desperate to hide what she saw as a “messy secret” Society had conditioned her well—periods were something to conceal, a source of embarrassment, and certainly not a topic for open discussion.

Fast forward ten years, and Maya now stood before a mural composed of sanitary pads, with the words “Periods are Power” boldly written across it. She smiled to herself, thinking, How did I get from scrubbing sheets to this? Her personal journey echoes a wider global shift, one that is bringing menstruation out of the shadows and into open conversation.

Welcome to Red Riding Hood, a story of shedding the burden of shame and reclaiming a sense of empowerment. Periods are no longer being hidden; they are being redefined as symbols of strength, vitality, and even beauty.

Silence and Stigma

For centuries, menstruation was something whispered about in secret. Many societies viewed women who were menstruating as “impure,” often barring them from participating in daily activities like cooking, entering religious spaces, or even being part of public life. Growing up, Maya had absorbed these messages—her period was something to hide. And she wasn’t alone. Millions of girls and women carried this same stigma, avoiding any mention of menstruation, as if it were something shameful.

But the tide started to turn. This wasn’t just about casting off the cloak of secrecy; it was about stepping into the open and embracing periods for what they truly are.

In ancient times, thinkers like Aristotle perpetuated the idea that menstruation made women inferior, a belief that shaped attitudes for generations. This silence around menstruation even extended to literature, where the topic was rarely mentioned and often associated with embarrassment.

However, the rise of feminist movements broke this silence. Works like The Red Tent challenged long-standing taboos, bringing menstruation into the spotlight.

Personal is Political

As Maya matured, she came to understand that periods weren’t merely a biological experience—they were deeply political. The phrase Personal is Political resonated with her on a profound level. Did you know that millions of women and girls worldwide still lack access to basic menstrual products? According to the United Nations, about 500 million women don’t have adequate facilities to manage their periods with dignity. In India alone, an estimated 23 million girls drop out of school each year due to a lack of menstrual hygiene resources.

This issue goes beyond health—it’s a matter of justice. While some women can talk about cramps or bloating, others are forced to use rags or unsafe materials because they simply can’t afford sanitary products. For Maya, this was unacceptable. Groups like PERIOD and The Pad Project were leading the charge, advocating for menstrual equity. Maya joined the movement, protesting the tampon tax and pushing for free menstrual products in schools and public spaces. She firmly believed that Periods Aren’t a Privilege—they are a fundamental right.

In 2020, Scotland became the first nation to offer free menstrual products to all citizens. In India, government initiatives such as the Menstrual Hygiene Management Program have made important strides, but challenges persist, particularly in rural areas.

Changing the Conversation

This isn’t just a story about protests and politics; it’s about transforming the way we talk about menstruation—in our homes, schools, and even on streaming platforms. Films like Period. End of Sentence and Turning Red have helped remove the stigma, showing that menstruation is a natural part of life and nothing to be ashamed of. The media is playing a key role in shifting the narrative, proving that open discussions about periods are not only acceptable but necessary.

For Maya, talking openly with her friends about menstruation became a source of freedom. No longer did she feel the need to hide tampons up her sleeve or use vague phrases like “that time of the month” She embraced her menstrual cycle with pride, recognizing it as something powerful and essential.

And so, the movement continues—breaking down barriers, one mural, one protest, and one conversation at a time. And honestly? It’s long overdue.