Periods, puberty and body changes remain among the most taboo subjects in Pakistan, where conversations about reproductive health are often avoided within families. The lack of open discussion can leave young people confused, misinformed and unprepared for the physical and emotional changes they experience while growing up.
Against this backdrop, Pakistani model Vaneeza Ahmad has urged parents to have honest, age-appropriate conversations with their children about puberty, menstruation and body changes.
She believes that breaking the silence around these topics is essential for promoting awareness, building children’s confidence and helping protect them from harassment and abuse.
Speaking during a local morning television program on the subject of safeguarding children from sexual harassment and predatory behavior, Ahmad stressed the importance of breaking the social stigma surrounding topics related to puberty and reproductive health.
Vaneeza Ahmad called for breaking the stigma around puberty and reproductive health, saying open conversations can help protect children from sexual harassment and predatory behavior
She said parents should not shy away from discussing body changes with both sons and daughters, arguing that open communication within families can help children better understand themselves and feel comfortable seeking guidance when needed.
Sharing her own parenting approach, Ahmad said she introduced her daughters to age-appropriate lessons on human anatomy between the ages of five and seven.
Using anatomical diagrams, she explained the biological differences between male and female bodies and prepared them for the physical and emotional changes they would experience during puberty.
