Speaking at the #WeAreCommitted to Reproductive Health for Every Child event in Jakarta on Monday (May 29), she said that knowledge of reproductive health is essential for children and young teens.
The knowledge can help them avoid diseases, such as sexually transmitted diseases, and infertility risks, she added.
According to Puspayoga, children and young teens should be educated about taking care of reproductive organs, teenage development during puberty, the effects of pornography and unwanted pregnancy and abortion, HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted diseases, and marriageable age.
She also highlighted the issue that some girls, who recently began menstruating, lack an understanding of the phenomenon that their bodies experience.
She said that the depression, anxiety, and embarrassment experienced by some girls during their period proves that menstruation is still perceived as a taboo that they believe should be concealed.
"Menstruation is still perceived as something dirty, and menstruating women are perceived as someone to be avoided, though menstruation is a normal and natural condition of a woman as part of their reproductive process," she explained.
Puspayoga urged parents, teachers, and boys to have better knowledge and perception about menstruation.
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Translator: Anita Permata D, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Anton Santoso
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