Jemimah Rodrigues Breaks Period Stigma With Pure Confidence: Exclusive

Indian cricketer Jemimah Rodrigues speaks to Jayveer Singh exclusively. In this conversation, she opens up about breaking period taboos in sports, staying confident through menstrual challenges, and empowering young girls to play fearlessly, even on their period days. From mindset to menstrual wellness, Jemimah shares how athletes can embrace their bodies, trust the right period solutions, and continue performing at their best without hesitation.

Excerpts...

Growing up, did you ever face period-related taboos or misconceptions, and how did you navigate them while continuing your sporting ambitions?

Growing up, periods weren't always spoken about openly, especially in sporting environments. There was this unspoken feeling that you just had to deal with it quietly and push through, even on days when your body didn't feel great. I've seen teammates go through really tough period days; pain, fatigue, discomfort - and that's not a weakness, it's a real physical experience. What helped me over time was understanding that listening to your body is just as important as training hard. Some days you can play normally, and on other days you might need to slow down or rest, and both are completely okay. Being open about these realities really helps normalise the conversation for young girls.

Photo Credit: Instagram

Many young girls still hesitate to participate in sports during their periods due to stigma and discomfort. What message would you like to share with them based on your own journey?

Periods are completely normal, and there's no right or wrong way to feel or act during them. If you feel like being active or playing sports, that's great. If you feel like slowing down or resting, that's okay, too. You should never feel pressured to push yourself just to prove something. From my own journey, I've learnt that confidence comes from listening to your body and feeling supported, not from ignoring discomfort. The more openly we talk about periods, the more inclusive sport becomes. Periods are just one part of life - they don't define your strength or limit what you can achieve.

As an athlete at the top of your game, how important is it for you to have period solutions that don't limit your training intensity or performance levels?

For me, focus is everything, but I've also learnt how important it is to listen to my body, especially during my period. Some days I genuinely feel like I can train at full intensity, and on other days I need to ease off a bit, and I've made peace with the fact that both are okay. What really matters is having a period solution that supports you no matter what kind of day it is. I've never wanted to be distracted by worries about leaks, stains, or constantly checking and adjusting while I'm training, travelling, or playing matches. That kind of mental noise can really affect your confidence. Using the Whisper Period Panty gives me that sense of security and comfort, so my period doesn't end up controlling my mood, movement, or mindset.

Photo Credit: Instagram

You've joined hands with Whisper Period Panty for this campaign. What convinced you that this product could genuinely make a difference in how girls experience their periods?

What stood out to me straight off the bat was how thoughtfully the Whisper Period Panty is designed around real, everyday period experiences. The 360-degree coverage and continuous absorption mean you don't have to keep checking or worrying about leaks or stains. It's soft, comfortable, and honestly just feels like regular innerwear, which makes a big difference on long days. After using it myself, what I really appreciated was how easily it fit into my routine. You just wear it and get on with your day; whether that's training, travelling, studying, or even just resting - without constantly being aware of your period in the background. That reliability really takes the mental load off. I also connected with Whisper's belief that girls shouldn't have to plan or limit their lives around their periods. The Whisper Period Panty feels like a modern, no-compromise solution that lets girls live their days the way they want to, without fear or discomfort.

Many young girls still hesitate to participate in sports during their periods due to stigma and discomfort. What message would you like to share with them based on your own journey?

Periods are completely normal, and there's no right or wrong way to feel or act during them. If you feel like being active or playing sports, that's great. If you feel like slowing down or resting, that's okay, too. You should never feel pressured to push yourself just to prove something. From my own journey, I've learnt that confidence comes from listening to your body and feeling supported, not from ignoring discomfort. The more openly we talk about periods, the more inclusive sport becomes. Periods are just one part of life - they don't define your strength or limit what you can achieve.

Photo Credit: Instagram 

High-performance athletes follow strict routines. How do you take care of menstrual hygiene while balancing travel, training, and tournaments across different countries?

Planning is a big part of it, especially with how much we travel. I always make sure I'm carrying products I trust, no matter where I am. Comfort and hygiene are non-negotiable for me, because once those are taken care of, you can focus fully on your game. Using Whisper Period Panty has helped because it gives me 360-degree protection and day-long absorption, which is really important on long travel days or match days. Along with that, I pay attention to hydration, nutrition, rest, and recovery, because all of that affects how you feel during your cycle. When you're prepared, managing your period becomes a lot easier, even with a packed schedule.

Periods often come with physical and emotional challenges. What motivates you to stay consistent on days when your body feels heavier or more fatigued?

There are definitely days when your body feels heavier or more tired, and that's part of being an athlete. What keeps me going on those days is remembering why I play and who I play for. Having a strong support system, my family, teammates, and coaches, makes a huge difference. On tougher days, I don't chase perfection. I just focus on showing up with the right mindset. Consistency isn't about feeling amazing every day; it's about trusting the process and doing what you can in that moment. Staying connected to my purpose helps me keep giving my best, even when it takes a little extra effort.

What part of your lifestyle or mindset helps you stay confident and active even on your period, and what do you think young girls can adopt from that approach?

For me, confidence comes from preparation and mindset. I don't see my period as something that has to completely disrupt my routine. Having things I trust, my training structure, recovery habits, and the products I use, helps me stay focused on what matters, not on what might distract me. I've learnt that feeling prepared and supported makes a big difference, whether that's choosing the Whisper Period Panty or simply listening to what your body needs that day. Periods don't have to define how you show up. With the right mindset and support, you can keep doing what you love in a way that feels right for you.

Photo Credit: Instagram

What changes do you think are needed in schools, sports environments, or society to make girls feel more supported during their periods?

I think the biggest change comes when periods are treated as a normal part of life, not something girls have to deal with quietly or feel awkward about. In schools and sports spaces, simple awareness and understanding from teachers and coaches can make a huge difference. Girls don't need to be kept out of sport; they need support and practical solutions. When the environment feels understanding and supportive, girls feel more confident and less restricted, even on period days. That's what helps them stay involved, comfortable, and focused.