As a journalist, I’ve often found myself navigating the contours of societal norms, delving into topics that evoke discomfort or challenge ingrained biases. Smriti Irani’s recent declaration, “Periods are not a handicap,” serves as a poignant reminder that, even in the 21st century, we grapple with archaic beliefs surrounding menstruation.

One glaring aspect of this archaism is the way sanitary pads are often shrouded in discreet black packets. This discreet packaging, ostensibly to maintain privacy, inadvertently perpetuates the idea that menstruation is something to be concealed, a topic so sensitive that even the packaging must be discreet. Irani’s words pierce through this unnecessary secrecy, prompting us to question why a natural bodily function requires such covert treatment.