Breaking silence on periods

Visitors were given the opportunity to leave their comments on menstruation on a large board at Piyadasa Gallery, Creative Arts Faculty.

Interactive exhibition by UM students aim to demystify natural biological function

The Universiti Malaya (UM) Feminism Club organised an exhibition to help demystify myths surrounding the natural function of women’s bodies.

Held at the Piyadasa Gallery in the Creative Arts Faculty, club founder and president Chin Jes Weng said the exhibition aimed to create a better understanding of the meaning and process of menstruation.

“There are some medical-related facts that we think people need to know and even some conditions or incidents related to periods which people are not aware of,” said the 23-year-old.

To garner as well as influence student views on the topic, the exhibition included several immersive experiences such as a period pain simulator and a large canvas on which visitors could leave their comments.

“Menstruation is not only a personal topic, it is related to how society views females.

“We want to challenge prevailing taboos through education,” said Chin.

She said the exhibition was curated in partnership with students from UM’s Social Administration and Justice Department as well as the Creative Arts Faculty.

The exhibition, she said, revolved around several key themes including “Breaking the Myth”, “Ending Shame”, “Ensuring Access” and “Enlightenment”.

“We hope that visitors will not only learn more about puberty but also care about women’s rights,” said Chin, who is a gender studies student.

Visitor Vikneswary Esther, 22, said the exhibition taught her a lot about period poverty.

“My boyfriend experimented with the period pain simulator.

“He said it helped him learn about the suffering and difficulties women face,” she said.

Another visitor, Raguel Edward, 22, said the exhibition helped reclaim the discourse that menstruation is a natural aspect of human biology.

“From cultural myths to societal taboos, the silence surrounding menstruation has sustained harmful stereotypes and hindered open discussion.”

Edward added that having open dialogues and encouraging critical reflection would empower people to challenge stigmas.