There are moments when change begins in the most unexpected places, and sometimes it arrives in ways that challenge deeply ingrained beliefs. For centuries, menstruation and reproductive health have been subjects wrapped in silence and shame, particularly within religious spaces. In many cultures, religious teachings have perpetuated the notion that menstruation is something unclean, dirty, or taboo. This view has often kept women from openly discussing their bodies or accessing vital health information. But change, as we’re seeing, doesn’t always have to challenge tradition, it can evolve from it.
In a small village in the Kurunegala District, a significant step was taken to challenge long-standing taboos. The Padeniya Raja Maha Viharaya, a temple usually reserved for worship and reflection, hosted an important discussion on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR). This event marked a rare and meaningful moment in the intersection of tradition and progressive dialogue.
Dr. Sathyani Wevita, a key figure in this initiative, described the experience as one of the most impactful moments of her career. “Advocating for menstrual health in Sri Lanka is challenging. These topics are often buried under layers of stigma, wrapped in cultural and religious taboos. But change doesn’t come through silence; it comes from challenging it.”
She also recalled her thoughts before stepping into the temple. “I was anxious. How could I make sure the conversation about sexual and reproductive health feel comfortable and meaningful in this sacred space? What tone should I use? Would the women feel uncomfortable? The fear of crossing cultural and religious boundaries weighed heavily on me.”
The event was part of #BleedGood, a movement dedicated to breaking down the shame and misinformation surrounding menstruation. In its first phase, the initiative reached countless women across Kurunegala, creating safe spaces where they could openly talk, ask questions, and unlearn centuries of deeply ingrained myths. But taking this conversation into a temple? That was uncharted territory.
Ven. Kumbukwewe Buddhi Vissuddi Thera, the chief monk of the temple, didn’t hesitate as he opened the doors and welcomed the discussion. “I have organised health camps before, and I see this as part of health. Educating women in my village about their own bodies and well-being is not something to be ashamed of,” he stated. His words shattered long-held perceptions. Religious institutions have often been seen as barriers to conversations about women’s health, especially reproductive health. Yet here was a leader who was rewriting the norm. His decision was not just about allowing an event to take place; it was about taking a stand, challenging outdated beliefs, and showing that religious leadership can play a crucial role in empowering women.
The monk’s openness to this initiative was not without its own challenges. As Ven. Buddhi Vissuddi Thera shared later, “I’ve been criticised for breaking with tradition, but I believe that true faith allows for growth, understanding, and care for all beings. If we don’t care for our bodies, how can we fully embrace the spiritual path?” His words echoed in the hearts of many, particularly the women in attendance, who felt seen and valued in a way they hadn’t before.
Sandra Wanduragala, Founder of Selyn Exporters and key organiser of the event, explained why the temple was chosen. “It gave seriousness to what we were trying to do. The government hospital authorities objected to the programme, and the partnership with the monks made it easier to convince them. Due to the respect towards the temple and the monks, they couldn’t refuse.”
And so, within the walls of a sacred space, something truly sacred took place. Women, many of whom had never spoken openly about their own bodies, began asking questions. The initial hesitation slowly faded, replaced by curiosity, engagement, and empowerment. It was a moment of collective unlearning and healing.
Dr.Wevita described the impact. “The women, at first reserved, started opening up. They shared their experiences, asked questions, and engaged in ways I had never seen before. The silence that had surrounded menstruation for so long disappeared, replaced by a sense of understanding and power.”
One of the women who attended the session shared her thoughts. “I never thought I would be able to talk about this in a temple. It felt like something we had to keep to ourselves, but today, I learned that there is nothing shameful about it. It’s a part of who we are.”
Another participant, a mother of two, reflected on the generational shift that could come from such initiatives. “If my mother had access to this kind of information, she wouldn’t have struggled in silence. Now, I can teach my daughters that their bodies are not something to be ashamed of.”
Dr.Wevita also highlighted one of the most impactful efforts of their initiative, organising a Pap smear drive with the Ministry of Health in Kurunegala. Women in these areas rarely get screened for cervical cancer, not because it is unavailable, but because they lack transport, face social restrictions, or simply do not prioritise their own health. “We brought healthcare to them, ensuring that they received the care they deserved. It was a reminder that accessibility is everything, and real change means meeting women where they are,” she shared.
She went on to reflect on the rural areas outside Kurunegala. “Kurunegala is often perceived as a bustling town, but what many don’t realise is that just a few kilometres outside the town, there are rural villages where women face even greater challenges. Visiting these areas was an eye opener for me, a reminder of the urgent need to bring awareness and change to those most in need.”
The session set an example for the entire country. It proved that religious spaces don’t have to be places of silence on these matters. When leaders like this monk take a stand, they do more than just allow a conversation to happen, they shift mindsets. They dismantle generations of harmful beliefs and create a space where women are not just seen but heard and respected.
However, while they are beginning to open up to the idea of educating and empowering women, we must also look at how women in these rural areas are affected by isolation, limited access to healthcare, and deeply rooted social restrictions. These women are still largely neglected, and these challenges demand that we step beyond our comfort zones to truly meet women where they are, because why something as natural as menstruation should be hidden behind a veil of shame? Why are women taught to feel embarrassed about their bodies, to suffer in silence, and to carry the weight of society’s stigma?
Women are not dirty for having a body that works. They are not wrong for needing healthcare, for having needs, or for simply being Women.
Originally Published on Ceylon Today