Sanitary pads: The monthly awkwardness

Jane, Darren Maule, and KZN chat about why there is a stigma attached to having your menstrual cycle and having to hide your tampons or pads when you go to the bathroom;

The other day, my producer Zama found herself in an awkward situation. She needed to go to the bathroom to sort out her business and was surrounded by some male colleagues. To get away quickly, she had to devise a plan to get to the bathroom without being spotted. 

Read: Should women have period leave?

Low and behold, she encountered another male on her way, and she thought she was caught 'red-handed.' She was not sure if she was shy or if it was him. In the end, she could not understand why she had the initial need to hide what she was about to do. 

Even though a menstrual cycle is natural, she finds herself feeling awkward all the time, and in true producer style, she had to find out if she is the only female with this problem?

Well, she is not alone...

From secret bags, slow walks, and the polite slip in the pocket, we ladies try to cover up our monthly walk to the bathroom, with a touch of shame. 

Read: School girls to receive free sanitary towels

When I was a young adolescent girl, being spotted in a grocery store with sanitary pads was the height of embarrassment. It's strange to be embarrassed and shameful given the reality of what our period is. I want to know where this shame comes from? But now, three kids down, I feel nothing walking around the shop cradling a box of bright tampons.

Periods are natural, and we should not feel any shame in having this conversation or carrying our “so-called unmentionables” in public. 

Are you one of those ninjas that hides your sanitary products on the way to the bathroom or are you loud and proud?

Let me know by commenting below. 

Watch the in studio round table discussion below: