Fieldwork is a crucial part of my education and career as a wildlife studies graduate. However, there’s a significant challenge that many women like me face during these trips that is menstruation. The reality of managing periods in the field can be daunting, yet this issue is rarely discussed or addressed. In the field, access to clean and private restrooms is a rare luxury, changing a pad or tampon requires privacy, water and a sanitary place to dispose of used products. These basic necessities are often unavailable in remote locations.

During my fieldwork in Western ghats, I have had to endure hours of discomfort because there was no appropriate place to change my pad. The constant worry about leakage and the discomfort of not being able to clean myself properly made it difficult to concentrate on my work. The anxiety and discomfort that come with such situations are overwhelming, affecting my focus and productivity.

My sister, who is currently pursuing her master’s in geological sciences, faced even more challenging conditions during her fieldwork in the Himalayas, Uttarakhand. She told me about one particular day when she was on her period and the cramps were severe. They were mapping a remote area, and there were no restrooms for miles. After several hours, she couldn’t bear the discomfort any longer and had to leave the group to find a place to change her pad. Recognizing her distress, her professor arranged a car for her to travel to the nearest toilet. This trip to the closest village took a significant amount of time, during which she missed important parts of the fieldwork. While this solution provided temporary relief, it highlighted the extreme measures women often have to take to manage their menstrual hygiene in such challenging conditions.

The Hidden impact

The stigma and silence surrounding menstruation in fieldwork contribute to a lack of support and consideration. Women often feel compelled to push through discomfort and health risks to avoid falling behind in their work. This can lead to burnout, health issues, and a sense of isolation. There’s also the fear of being perceived as less capable or dedicated. This prevents many women from voicing their needs or seeking help. In a fieldwork where your physical endurance and resilience are often equated with professional competence, that is particularly concerning.

What can we do for a change?

The stigma surrounding menstruation in fieldwork perpetuates a lack of understanding and support. Educating all team members, regardless of gender, about menstrual health is crucial. By fostering awareness and empathy, we can create a more supportive environment where menstruating individuals feel understood and accommodated. Field sites often lack basic sanitary facilities, posing challenges for managing menstrual hygiene. It’s essential to equip field locations with accessible and hygienic options. Portable solutions like sanitary tents or designated areas for changing menstrual products should be provided where permanent facilities aren’t feasible. Ensuring these facilities are available can significantly alleviate the stress and discomfort women face during fieldwork.

Menstruation can bring physical discomfort and varying energy levels, allowing for flexible scheduling and planning acknowledges these needs. By accommodating menstruating team members with flexibility, we can help them manage discomfort effectively while maintaining productivity and focus in the field.

Creating a supportive network where women can openly discuss their menstrual needs is crucial. This can include establishing mentorship programs or designating female team leaders who understand these challenges firsthand. Such support systems not only provide practical guidance but also foster a culture where menstruation is recognized and respected as a normal aspect of women’s health in fieldwork settings.

Institutional policies play a significant role in addressing menstrual health in fieldwork. Advocating for policies that recognize and accommodate menstrual needs is essential. This could involve provisions for menstrual leave, inclusion of menstrual hygiene products in field kits, or guidelines for creating inclusive fieldwork environments that prioritize menstrual health.

Let’s talk about it ‘THE PERIOD’

It’s time we start considering menstrual health in the planning and execution of fieldwork.

Addressing the challenges of menstruation in fieldwork is not just a matter of convenience. It’s a matter of equity and inclusion. By acknowledging and accommodating these needs, we can create a more supportive and productive environment for all researchers and professionals. It’s time to break the silence and make menstrual health a priority in the field. It’s time for change.