Silence and the history of menstruation

Oral history is often concerned not only with what is said but also with silences and what they might mean - what is omitted from interview responses or the historical record, and in this case, omission from both social discourse and research in general about women's experience of what is virtually a universal experience for them. From interviews with twelve women, the author sought to 'penetrate the veil of silence' and transcend the dearth of documentary evidence about the meaning of menstruation in women's lives. Interviews 'yielded fascinating and complex responses that opened up questions rather than providing definitive answers. Perhaps the most profound insight gained through the project was an appreciation of the power of silence, which can communicate more loudly than words.'