Period stigma: why we need to end the taboo

Despite the fact that nearly half of the world's population menstruates at some point in their lives, periods are still shrouded in shame and stigma. Menstruation is often considered dirty, shameful, and something to be hidden away. This stigma can have serious consequences for women's health and wellbeing, and it's time to break the taboo and end the shame.

Period stigma is a pervasive problem around the world. In many cultures, menstruation is associated with impurity, and women are expected to keep their periods a secret. This can lead to a lack of education about menstruation, as well as a lack of access to menstrual hygiene products. In some cases, women are even banished from their homes during their periods.

The effects of period stigma can be wide-ranging and serious. Women who are ashamed of their periods may be less likely to seek medical attention for period-related issues. They may also be more likely to miss school or work due to their periods, which can have a negative impact on their education and career opportunities. In some cases, period stigma can even lead to violence and abuse against women.

It's time to break the silence and start talking openly about periods. By normalizing menstruation, we can reduce the shame and stigma that so many women feel. Education is key to ending period stigma, and we need to ensure that girls and boys alike are educated about menstruation and its role in women's health.

We also need to make menstrual hygiene products more widely available and affordable, especially in developing countries. Women should not have to choose between their health and their dignity.

Finally, we need to challenge the media and cultural norms that perpetuate period stigma. This includes calling out harmful stereotypes and tropes, as well as promoting positive representations of menstruation in film, television, and other media.