Written by Kissa R.
Artwork by Ally M. and Sophia S.
In the month of June, Amarela has launched its first video series entitled “Amarela Asks 100” where the organization asks 100 people a certain prompt. This prompt varies in each video such as in the first video where the participants were asked “What menstrual products do you use?” The single question asked in each video is always related to the advocacies of the organization. The goal of this is to negate stigmas one video at a time and to also help its viewers realize that they are not alone in facing the issues related to the organization’s advocacies such as the struggle in trying to achieve body positivity.
The reason why this video series was made is that it is a way for the audience to really understand the advocacies through the individual responses of the people. Another reason why is because the Philippines lacks knowledge about sexual health. There are numerous amount of myths surrounding menstruation such as:
Don’t take a bath during your period; otherwise, you’ll experience insanity, infertility, or hair loss;
When you get your period for the first time, wash your underwear and use it to wipe your skin. This keeps the pimples away.
When you get your period for the first time, don’t take a bath, just pour water over your head 3 times. You can also jump 3 times. This way, your periods will only last for 3 days” (Rodriguez, 2015).
These myths can affect the individual’s knowledge of what is the proper procedure to follow during their menstruation which is the use of menstrual products like sanitary napkins. Not only that but the reason why these myths exist is that people lack knowledge about it and Amarela sees that the best source for learning more is the people who actually experience it.
These videos also allow people to voice out their thoughts on topics that are not frequently discussed in public such as the menstrual cycle. It allows the individuals to have a voice loud enough to reach a vast scope of viewers and to also break the walls that stigmas and myths have built-in this society.
Amarela utilizes this video series as a gentle way of slowly normalizing things that fall under their advocacies, it provides the viewers of what are the thoughts and experiences of each individual who has participated in this series. It does not only tackle social issues but it also allows like-minded people to meet.
Source:
Rodriguez, Fritzie. “Menstruation 101: Putting a Period on Period Myths.” Rappler, 24 May 2015, www.rappler.com/move-ph/issues/gender-issues/93686-menstruation-hygiene-myths.