First, Happy National Menstrual Hygiene Day!
What is it?
In 2013, National Menstrual Hygiene Day (MH Day) was started by the German non-profit, Wash United. MH Day is now observed globally!
This day brings awareness to the millions of menstruators globally that lack access to products and education alongside continued stigma and taboos around menstruation. It's a day to raise awareness, educate, and partake in global advocacy efforts.
Why does it matter?
1.8 billion people across the world menstruate.
Millions of these menstruators are not able to experience their period in a dignified way because of the taboos, stigma, discrimination, and lack of access to products and education.
What can you do?
1.) Talk about it! Talk about periods and start the conversation. This helps remove the taboos and stigmas.
2.) Support organizations and brands that are doing amazing work to fight period poverty and/or promote menstrual equity. Some we love are AL4ME, Period OKC, Period, Period Law, and of course us! Check your local organizations and get connected.
3.) Use inclusive language! Periods are not a woman only issue. Women, trans and non-binary persons menstruate, so making sure to use inclusive terms like menstruator helps change the conversation.
4.) Encourage the spaces you frequent to provide products in their public bathrooms (all of them!) Co-working spaces, your local cafe, or even your favorite restaurant. Sometimes all it takes is an ask.
5.) Contact your local government and advocate for bills that promote period equity like removing that tampon tax, making period products free, or requiring medicaid to cover period products. Your voice matters!
To learn more about National Menstrual Hygiene Day, visit https://menstrualhygieneday.org/ 🩸
Sources: https://menstrualhygieneday.org/, https://www.unicef.org/wash/menstrual-hygiene
