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Play Period: Board Game Tackles Menstruation Taboo
25 Jan
Summary
- Board game 'Play Period' educates girls on menstruation fearlessly.
- Designed by architects, it covers hormones, hygiene, and social myths.
- Over 400 students in Ratnagiri benefited from the game.
In Ratnagiri, India, a board game called 'Play Period' is breaking down taboos surrounding menstruation. Created by architects Kavita Sawant and Divya Subramanyam, the game provides a joyful and informative approach to menstrual education for young girls. This initiative addresses the critical issue that nearly 70% of adolescent girls in India lack adequate knowledge about menstruation before experiencing it.
Developed with support from the Royal Academy of Engineering, 'Play Period' goes beyond simple tracking. It delves into topics like hormones, body changes, hygienic practices, social myths, and even environmental impacts. Unlike digital alternatives, it requires no internet, making it accessible in resource-limited schools. The game has positively impacted over 400 students in community workshops.
Parents have also benefited, unlearning myths like not watering plants during menstruation. Experts praise the game's cost-effectiveness and ability to encourage open discussions about reproductive health in a socio-culturally acceptable manner. The creators are expanding the project with an app version and seeking policy-level integration, having also filed for a software patent.
