Exploring Social Exclusion of Women in Religious Contexts due to Menstruation

Abstract

The start of a woman’s reproductive life is marked by the normal physiological process of menstruation. Menstruation is viewed through the lens of cultural and religious taboos, despite the fact that it is a fundamental aspect of reproductive health. This leads to discrimination, shame, and limited access to resources and information for women who experience it. All women experience the biological phenomena known as the menstrual cycle, which is sometimes accompanied by taboos and religious prohibitions that vary widely throughout countries. Menstruation is still viewed as disgusting or unclean in Indian society. Menstruating women are often isolated from society and subjected to restrictions within the home, which has contributed to a poor perception of their illness. Even in the twenty-first century, menstruation is still viewed as immoral because of social norms, cultural limitations, and traditional beliefs. This may have detrimental effects on their emotional and physical well-being. The current study focuses on the women of Samba District (Jammu and Kashmir) who belong to different religions. It seeks to explore the relationship between menstruation, religious beliefs, and cultural standards. This research explores the cultural dynamics around menstruation and religious limitations on women in Samba District by using a qualitative research technique. The study has used both primary and secondary sources of information, and the case study method was used to collect data from women associated with different religious communities such as Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and Christians.