Actor Sunita Marshall has spoken openly about the stigma surrounding menstruation in Pakistani households, calling for boys to receive the same education about periods as girls so they can grow up to become more empathetic partners, brothers, and fathers.
In a recent interview, Sunita said that conversations about menstruation should not be limited to daughters alone. She argued that boys should be taught about periods at the same age as girls so they can properly understand what women and girls experience on a monthly basis.
"Just as you inform your daughter at a certain age, you should inform your son at the same age. They ought to know what a woman or a girl goes through during that period of time," she stated.
She said that early education on this subject could significantly shape the men that boys eventually become, particularly in their roles within families and relationships.
"Your son is also going to grow up to become a father; he is someone's brother, and he will become someone's husband. When they are educated about this, empathy will automatically be created within them," Sunita explained.
Speaking about the importance of men understanding premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and the various changes women can experience around their periods, Sunita said that greater awareness could help families respond with more patience and understanding.
"During periods, women experience PMS and mood swings, and their patience levels drop significantly. Men need to understand what happens during that specific week. Women don't want a solution; they only want extra love and someone to listen to them at that time," she said.
She said that awareness should also translate into practical support at home, particularly when women are dealing with physical discomfort while continuing with their daily responsibilities.
"First of all, our men need to get educated about this. If it's your sister, mother, wife, or daughter, and you know she is on her period and unwell yet still working through it, empathy will make you get up and help her with the chores yourself," Sunita said.
