Between Tradition and Change: Mothers’ Perspectives on Menarche Practices in Urban Bengaluru—A Phenomenological Study
Description
This phenomenological study explored mothers’ perspectives on cultural and family practices surrounding menarche among premenarche girls in urban Bengaluru. Using purposive sampling, 53 mothers participated in six focus group discussions organised by language and educational background. Discussions were conducted in Urdu, Kannada, Tamil, or English, transcribed verbatim, translated where required, and thematically analysed using ATLAS.ti. Investigator triangulation and supervisory review enhanced credibility. Five themes emerged: cultural and social context; cultural and social norms; changing attitudes and modernity; family and community dynamics; and pressure and stress related to early marriage alliances. Mothers valued culture-specific foods, herbs, family recognition, and emotional support but differed in their willingness to continue rituals and restrictions. More highly educated mothers generally favoured normalising menstruation, reducing restrictive practices, and supporting girls’ education, sports, mobility, clothing choices, and routine activities. Extended family members influenced decisions and rituals, while some mothers feared that public celebrations could invite marriage proposals and interrupt daughters’ education. The findings highlight the need for culturally sensitive, family-based menstrual health education before menarche that recognises supportive traditions while challenging shame, exclusion, restrictive norms, and associations between menarche and marriage readiness in certain households, thereby promoting girls’ dignity, autonomy, schooling, and overall well-being within contemporary urban families.