Right to Sexual and Reproductive Health Education 2016
they were given information about menstruation and puberty by their
mothers or an elder sister. However, they also stated that in most cases this
information was only given once they have had their first periods. Participants
recalled this as a traumatic and shocking experience as they were unaware of
this change and many expressed that they would have preferred to have been
made aware of it before the incident. Some participants also shared that they
came to know about puberty and periods from their friends who have already
gone through the experience. Almost all the participants were able to identify
the changes girls go through during puberty, but it is to be noted that very few
of them were aware of the changes that boys go through during this time.
On the other hand, boys of this age stated that they did not know much about
puberty and that no one really told them or prepared them for the changes
that occur during this phase in their life. Few boys shared that they knew about
the process and were aware of the changes that would take place from
discussions with their friends who have already gone through it. Participants
also mentioned that due to the uncomfortable nature of the topic, they were
hesitant to ask for information from either of their parents. Male participants,
especially the student groups, mentioned that boys are usually more easily
overlooked by parents when it comes to giving out such information.
Participants stated that it was usually the mother who would talk about such
issues and try to give information on such matter to the youngsters. However,
since mothers usually paid more attention to the girls in the family while giving
information, boys usually turn towards their friends to gain information about
these issues. It was surprising to note that only five among all the participants
mentioned that information about puberty and the changes during this time
were given to them by their father or a brother. The rest of these participants
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THEMATIC ANALYSIS