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the_bookholic_girl's review
emotional
informative
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
5.0
Dive into a riveting exploration of a taboo-shattering topic that's been hidden in the shadows for far too long. "Period Matters" by Farah Ahamed isn't just a book; it's a bold revelation, a much-needed conversation starter, and a beacon of empowerment in the realm of menstruation discourse.
In a world where the narrative around menstruation has often been shrouded in silence and stigma, Farah Ahamed's "Period Matters: Menstruation in South Asia" emerges as a beacon of enlightenment. With a blend of meticulous research and poignant storytelling, Ahamed delves into the intricacies of menstrual health in the context of South Asian culture, unraveling a narrative that is both enlightening and empowering.
Ahamed wastes no time in pulling the reader into the heart of her narrative. With a compelling opening chapter, she confronts the taboo surrounding menstruation head-on, challenging societal norms and shedding light on the pervasive silence that has shrouded this natural bodily process for centuries. Through a series of poignant anecdotes and insightful interviews, Ahamed paints a vivid picture of the lived experiences of South Asian women, offering a rare glimpse into their struggles and triumphs.
One of the book's most compelling aspects is its nuanced exploration of the cultural factors that shape the perception of menstruation in South Asia. Ahamed navigates through a complex landscape of traditions, beliefs, and rituals, highlighting the diverse ways in which menstruation is perceived and experienced across different communities. From the elaborate rituals of celebration to the stark realities of menstrual taboos, Ahamed leaves no stone unturned in her quest to unravel the intricacies of this often misunderstood phenomenon.
As the book draws to a close, Ahamed leaves the reader with a sense of empowerment and agency. Through a series of actionable insights and practical tips, she encourages readers to challenge the status quo and advocate for positive change in their communities.Whether it's through education, activism, or simple acts of solidarity, Ahamed makes it clear that each of us has the power to make a difference in the fight for menstrual equity.
"Ready to challenge the status quo and break the silence surrounding menstruation?
Dive into "Period Matters" by Farah Ahamed and join the movement to normalize, educate, and empower.
Don't just read—engage, discuss, and amplify the voices that have long been silenced. Let's make periods matter!
In a world where the narrative around menstruation has often been shrouded in silence and stigma, Farah Ahamed's "Period Matters: Menstruation in South Asia" emerges as a beacon of enlightenment. With a blend of meticulous research and poignant storytelling, Ahamed delves into the intricacies of menstrual health in the context of South Asian culture, unraveling a narrative that is both enlightening and empowering.
Ahamed wastes no time in pulling the reader into the heart of her narrative. With a compelling opening chapter, she confronts the taboo surrounding menstruation head-on, challenging societal norms and shedding light on the pervasive silence that has shrouded this natural bodily process for centuries. Through a series of poignant anecdotes and insightful interviews, Ahamed paints a vivid picture of the lived experiences of South Asian women, offering a rare glimpse into their struggles and triumphs.
One of the book's most compelling aspects is its nuanced exploration of the cultural factors that shape the perception of menstruation in South Asia. Ahamed navigates through a complex landscape of traditions, beliefs, and rituals, highlighting the diverse ways in which menstruation is perceived and experienced across different communities. From the elaborate rituals of celebration to the stark realities of menstrual taboos, Ahamed leaves no stone unturned in her quest to unravel the intricacies of this often misunderstood phenomenon.
As the book draws to a close, Ahamed leaves the reader with a sense of empowerment and agency. Through a series of actionable insights and practical tips, she encourages readers to challenge the status quo and advocate for positive change in their communities.Whether it's through education, activism, or simple acts of solidarity, Ahamed makes it clear that each of us has the power to make a difference in the fight for menstrual equity.
"Ready to challenge the status quo and break the silence surrounding menstruation?
Dive into "Period Matters" by Farah Ahamed and join the movement to normalize, educate, and empower.
Don't just read—engage, discuss, and amplify the voices that have long been silenced. Let's make periods matter!
_askthebookbug's review
4.0
Back when I was in the seventh grade I took a vacation with my friend's family having absolutely no idea that I'd come back as a woman. I thought I was going to die when we took a pit stop at a small restaurant on the way to our destination when I found myself to be bleeding. I was frightened but also acutely shy to ask my friend's mother about what was happening to me. It was her and not my mother who taught me how to use a sanitary napkin. I still had many questions but saved them for later, so that I could go home and ask my mother about it. But this whole experience left me so flustered and unprepared.
In Period Matters, Farah Ahamed has diligently collected many such stories and plights of women who have been tackling menstruation. Much like my own story, young girls are often not educated about how bodies evolve during puberty and are left clueless only to be explained after it happens. Many countries follow similar rituals, forbidding women from entering the kitchen or even from touching anything. She interviews many women from different economic backgrounds to see how it affects them. Sometimes, it's hard to believe that we are living in the 21st century and still practice such senseless rituals.
Period Matters is an extensively researched book, one that successfully puts forth its purpose to the readers. There's also some incredible art displayed in these pages that celebrates women's bodies and this natural phenomenon.
I certainly recommend this.
Thank you for having me on the blog tour and for sending across this copy @panmacmillanindia ✨
In Period Matters, Farah Ahamed has diligently collected many such stories and plights of women who have been tackling menstruation. Much like my own story, young girls are often not educated about how bodies evolve during puberty and are left clueless only to be explained after it happens. Many countries follow similar rituals, forbidding women from entering the kitchen or even from touching anything. She interviews many women from different economic backgrounds to see how it affects them. Sometimes, it's hard to believe that we are living in the 21st century and still practice such senseless rituals.
Period Matters is an extensively researched book, one that successfully puts forth its purpose to the readers. There's also some incredible art displayed in these pages that celebrates women's bodies and this natural phenomenon.
I certainly recommend this.
Thank you for having me on the blog tour and for sending across this copy @panmacmillanindia ✨
prettypaperback1's review
4.0
Menstruation brings its own set of problems and challenges in the lives of little girls and women which is multiplied for women living in south Asian countries because of the lack of resources and facilities. In India and its neighbouring countries. Periods are taboo, menstruation is some type of a curse or witch hunt or a festive celebration or worse the time to get married (Afghanistan). During "this time of the month" a lot of restrictions are held on girls and women, they cannot eat their favourite food, cannot worship or visit any place of worship, have to stay away from pickles and spicy chutneys, sleep on the floor on mats and stay away from boys or men because they are considered to be impure and it is contagious. {like what not}
As a kid, I was lucky enough since my school took the responsibility to educate us regarding the menstruation cycle and puberty but I have realized that many of us including my cousins were horrified when they got their first periods. It is worse for people living outside metros or Tier 2 cities, where the Internet and educating themselves on this subject is hard where people still consider periods a taboo and lack of resources and facilities make it worse for their personal hygiene. Through this book I learned, that sanitary pads and personal hygiene products are not available everywhere, people still use cotton rags and cotton to protect the leak, the condition is worst for refugee women who do not even have the luxury to afford rags or water to wash it peacefully.
The experience shared in this book are still relevant in today's time, I mean just imagine, people are moving forward but no one is bothered to educate themselves regarding this matter. I have already lost hope in our education system and I feel the internet could be a great medium for people to get educated, Few of the doctor influencers on Instagram and Youtube are kind enough to educate young girls and women regarding this matter.
Personally, I feel, Farah Ahamed did a great job of compiling essays, poems and short stories by different authors. I enjoyed reading the poems by Tishani Doshi and the article by Shashi Tharoor.
As a kid, I was lucky enough since my school took the responsibility to educate us regarding the menstruation cycle and puberty but I have realized that many of us including my cousins were horrified when they got their first periods. It is worse for people living outside metros or Tier 2 cities, where the Internet and educating themselves on this subject is hard where people still consider periods a taboo and lack of resources and facilities make it worse for their personal hygiene. Through this book I learned, that sanitary pads and personal hygiene products are not available everywhere, people still use cotton rags and cotton to protect the leak, the condition is worst for refugee women who do not even have the luxury to afford rags or water to wash it peacefully.
The experience shared in this book are still relevant in today's time, I mean just imagine, people are moving forward but no one is bothered to educate themselves regarding this matter. I have already lost hope in our education system and I feel the internet could be a great medium for people to get educated, Few of the doctor influencers on Instagram and Youtube are kind enough to educate young girls and women regarding this matter.
Personally, I feel, Farah Ahamed did a great job of compiling essays, poems and short stories by different authors. I enjoyed reading the poems by Tishani Doshi and the article by Shashi Tharoor.
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