When it comes to periods, there’s a whole lot to talk about – and in 2022, the conversation is even more pertinent because of the drastic effect COVID-19 has had, and continues to have, on menstruators. Each day, an estimated 300 million people menstruate. Being able to manage their menstruation safely, hygienically and with confidence is critical for their health, education, human rights, economic development, and overall gender equality. Before the COVID-19 pandemic started, more than 500 million menstruators worldwide did not have what they needed to manage their period in a healthy, dignified way, and the pandemic has only worsened the menstruation-related challenges many around the world face.
PERIOD STIGMA DRIVES INEQUITIES
A significant catalyst for period inequities is period stigma — the discrimination faced by people who menstruate. Across the globe, this manifests in many ways, ranging from lighthearted jokes to negative assumptions and dehumanization. There is also a stigma around the experience of menstruating as a trans person.
The shame associated with periods prevents people from talking about them, resulting in a lack of dialogue regarding access to menstrual products. Period poverty is an important, yet often overlooked public health crisis that occurs both in the United States and abroad. The consequences of period poverty are dire; from keeping girls out of school to negatively impacting their physical and emotional health.
The best way to create change for the next generation is to normalize menstruation, stop the spread of dangerous misinformation and help menstruators feel confident about their periods. In celebration of Menstrual Hygiene Day (May 28), we call for people everywhere to stop the cycle and end period stigma. Talk about it. Period.
TAKE THE PLEDGE
Sign the pledge and commit to speaking out against period stigma.
Sadly, this situation is not unique to Nepal. We have heard similar stories from our partners all around the world, including Uganda where two Global G.L.O.W. club members are working to ensure girls and women have access to menstrual supplies.
BETTER HEALTH EDUCATION IS NEEDED
Menstrual hygiene management (MHM) remains an issue for menstruators around the world as they continue to have limited access to resources. Through our Healthy GLOW program, we are working alongside girls to ensure they have the information they need to stay healthy and in school. The ultimate goal of Healthy GLOW is to give girls what they need to have the confidence to advocate for their health and wellness and make positive choices for their futures. Proper education ensures all menstruators have greater access to period products, education about their bodies, and a caring and safe adult to ask questions of and confide in.
To commemorate Menstrual Hygiene Day 2022 (May 28), the Global G.L.O.W. team developed a special curriculum that allows club members to learn about their bodies and menstrual cycles and how having periods is viewed in broader society. This was also created to connect participants to one another through shared learning, self-expression, and unity.
Periods are monthly, your support can be too! A monthly donation of as little as $5 can help us provide proper MHM to girls through our Healthy GLOW program. Click to give now.
TAKE ACTION
Download our advocacy toolkit for additional resources, and actionable steps you can take to help end period stigma. Don’t forget to download special images you can share on your social media channels using the hashtag #talkaboutitperiod and be sure to tag us so we can comment!
“Periods are a normal experience that all girls ought to regard not as sickness but rather a sign of womanhood which they should be proud of.” – Abalo, 16, Uganda
“The girls in my community get worried when periods are approaching given the fact that they face difficulty in accessing the appropriate products to use.” – GLOW Club member, Uganda
