Things you can do to help put a period to period shaming.
Having honest conversations about menstruating is one of the fastest ways to dismantle the societal stigma placed on it. By opening up a dialogue about our bodies, how we feel during our periods, and challenges faced, we’re able to create a sense of solidarity among people with periods. You may think that what you go through on your period is unique to you but, if you open yourself up to having conversations about it - with friends, your family, and your doctor - you’ll likely find that you’re not the only one.
One of the best ways to end shaming around periods is to simply learn more about the entire process. Get to know the symptoms of PMS, the different phases of menstruation, and the hormones that fluctuate at different times throughout your cycle. When you’re equipped with facts, it’ll be that much easier to educate people who want to throw shade your way.
LAccording to period-tracking app, Clue, there are over 5,000 euphemisms for menstruation around the world. While calling it shark week is kind of cute, it’s also a very subtle way in which we allow periods to stay stigmatized. By calling it what it is - a period or menstruation - we take some of the secrecy away. You shouldn’t be ashamed of having a period and using cutesy nicknames only reinforces what we’ve been told - that periods shouldn’t be talked about.
Leaks happen. To all of us. And it can be really easy to feel mortified when they do. If you want to help end period shaming, the best thing you can do (for yourself and for every other woman) is to not make a big deal out of it. Just laugh it off, clean it up, and move on. When we react with embarrassment to situations like this, all we’re doing is perpetuating the belief that having a period is embarrassing. Really, there’s no need for shame in your period game. When we open up about feminine care topics, like your period, the negative stigma will eventually go away.
My Period is Awesome
Action Aid
Red Dot Campaign
United Nations Population Fund
THINX
Menstrual Hygiene Day