Board game to impart menstruation literacy: Boys, girls should sit together for this

Even today, we cringe when we hear the word menstruation. The Shradha Culture Lab research collective, based in Kurumassery, Ernakulam, is attempting to change the perception that it's something that shouldn't be talked about, something that should be set aside. Their effort is to introduce menstruation to girls and boys in an understandable way through a game titled 'Go With The Flow'. The aim of this board game is to create awareness that menstruation is a very natural process and is not something to be hidden or concealed.

Understanding menstruation through the game 'Go With The Flow'
'Go With The Flow' is an educational board game that helps learn about the various stages of the menstrual cycle. The game is designed to create a deeper understanding among children about the biological, socio-cultural, and psychological aspects of menstruation. The game is developed by Dr. Ranjini Krishnan, a psychology researcher and writer, and B. Priyaranjan Lal, a designer and visual artist.

“We still live with the idea that menstruation often causes discomfort and shame. This game is designed to benefit both boys and girls equally. The goal is for them to play together and understand. This game is for children aged 8-13. Each step in the game is created so that both boys and girls can understand equally. Many of us still don't have a platform to discuss our anxieties and concerns about menstruation. We also lack knowledge about its scientific aspects. ‘Go With The Flow’ aims to dispel myths and break stereotypes surrounding menstruation.

"After playing the game, children will have learned approximately sixty scientific terms related to menstruation. Often, our children go through a phase in their early years without accurately knowing about menstruation and without understanding what is happening. This game aims to overcome that,” said Dr. Ranjini. She added that the game helps give a precise dimension to menstrual literacy and awareness.

The game is designed like a journey across an ocean. To complete this journey, four seas must be crossed. Each stage is arranged as a question-and-answer format. If the answer is correct, the ship moves forward; if it's wrong, they get stuck. At that point, they receive task cards. Upon completing them, they can move forward. This is how the game is structured. Menstrual literacy is something our society has yet to achieve. This new initiative sheds light on that. The creators believe that by playing the game together, boys and girls can understand that it is a very natural process and doesn't need to be overemphasized.

Understanding menstruation through 'Shradha'
The 'Go With The Flow' game is the culmination of the long-standing research efforts of the Shradha Cultural Lab research collective. Although the game was initially conceived in Malayalam, due to the lack of words that approach menstruation positively, it was switched to English. Dr Ranjini hopes that with future efforts, a Malayalam version of the game can be brought out. The game includes a game board and a booklet. The booklet contains the questions and answers. It's an illustrated booklet. Ranjini says that reading this alone will help children understand more than half of the concepts. The back of the game board also serves as a period tracker. After the game, children can use the board as a period tracker in their room.

The goal of the game is to create a new generation that confronts menstruation with confidence and awareness. The game aims to shift the perspective of menstruation from something that must be silently endured to an enjoyable experience through scientific knowledge and proper attitude formation. The creators believe this game will also be very helpful for parents too. The game, which can be completed in an hour, uses innovative ideas in its design. Priyaranjan Lal believes that the current design is a result of considering what kind of design would appeal to children. Shradha Cultural Lab and the people behind it firmly believe that scientific knowledge is what is needed to face this experience, and they aim to prepare children for it. 'Go With The Flow' is yet to be launched, but pyre-order facility is available on the website, gowiththeflo.in.