According to UNICEF, periods affect 1.8 billion people, including girls, women, transgender men and non-binary people. Apart from the hormonal changes and the physical discomfort, this minority of the population also has to deal with period poverty and taboos. This makes it impossible to manage their menstrual cycle in a dignified and healthy way. What is supposed to be a vulnerable time where young individuals need to be taught about health and hygiene is marked by discrimination and exclusion from society. Ruby Raut is one such woman, who has faced this social stigma and is on a mission to make a difference for others. She is the founder of the UK’s first-period pants company, WUKA. The brand has been hustling, not only to help people overcome the conservative identity given to periods, but also to reduce the impact of unsustainable period products on the environment. Asian Voice reached out to Ruby and here’s what she had to say about period health:
You are on a mission to reduce the deterioration of the environment caused by period products by helping women switch to sustainable alternatives. However, reusing period products can be problematic for menstruating individuals, like for the South Asian community, considering taboos and embarrassment around the cycle. How do you try to approach people from these communities regarding period pants?
WUKA is on a mission to change the narrative around periods, for them to be celebrated. We want to educate people about what periods are and why they should be talked about – not shamed or stigmatised. Period pants are universal and accessible. They look and feel like regular underwear, so when you wash, dry and care for them, no one would know you are on your period. We want to invest more in educating older generations and adults, for a greater impact on period dignity.
How can communities rise above the taboos and prejudices and help them with this situation? Why, according to you, is it extremely important for communities to be more sensitive moving forward?
We can start with targeting school education around periods. At WUKA, we visit schools and communicate about periods and the use of period pants with girls and boys, so there is an awareness from a young age across genders. At a community level, opening up conversations about periods in community forums and social media groups targeted at South Asian communities is crucial to help people understand periods and, further, celebrate them.
You’ve talked about your experience with periods in Nepal and the taboos you’ve had to face. Have you witnessed or experienced, similar or different taboos in the UK? If so, what? Additionally, are western countries more open-minded when it comes to periods?
Myths around periods exist. In a recent survey, we found that 1 in 6 women believe that exercising during their period is harmful. These myths can sometimes be believed as truth, which can be dangerous and misleading. I’ve found that, in the UK, there can be a culture of keeping periods discreet, be that not talking about it or hiding period products, and this needs to change.
Period poverty is a serious issue, due to which, women have to skip day-to-day life, steal tampons and relent to using cloth, tissues or socks. These are some of the common consequences of period poverty that we find on news and are quick to dismiss. What are some of the grave consequences that you know of?
Pain and discomfort felt by many young people when on their periods can stop them from going to school, and engaging in social and sports activities, affecting a child’s physical and mental health and experience of life.
Scotland recently became the first country to offer free period products. How crucial is it for the rest of the world to follow in its footsteps and make period products available free of cost? How big of a step will it be towards ending period-poverty?
It is a great step forward that Scotland has taken, especially putting periods in the public eye and encouraging conversation. Period products should be treated like essential items, so it would be wonderful to see other countries make period products freely available in every public service, e.g., toilets, schools, libraries, universities etc. I hope that other countries follow suit.
How will you describe your journey spanning your life in Nepal, the UK and your achievements? How has your community, both back home and the south Asian community in Britain, supported and inspired you?
It’s difficult to be an immigrant in the UK and start a successful business because there is a little support network to go to and rely on. So, I’ve had to be a self-starter and seek support when needed, which I still do now. Whenever I share my journey, particularly in forums for South Asian communities, I feel commended and supported from afar. People personally write to me, which I find so encouraging and keeps me motivated. I hope more media outlets find stories like mine and support them from early on in their journey.
