From its origins and history to its mission and current status, here’s everything you need to know about the #MenstrualMovement!
Defining the Menstrual Movement
The Global Glossary for the Menstrual Movement defines the term as “a social, political, environmental and cultural movement that seeks to advance menstrual health, break the period stigma and ensure that women, girls and those who menstruate can fully and equally participate in society.”
The Start of the Menstrual Movement
The menstrual movement took hold in the US in the 1970s with books like Angela Phillips’ “Our Bodies, Ourselves,” along with feminist figures like Judy Blume and Gloria Steinem bringing the topic to the forefront of pop culture.
The menstrual movement has been evolved by a wide variety of organizations and women’s health activists at all levels, ranging from local to international efforts.
Menstrual Equity Within the Menstrual Movement
Rooted in the menstrual movement is the importance of menstrual equity.
But what does menstrual equity even mean? The glossary refers to the term as “the affordability, accessibility and safety of menstrual products for all people—including laws and policies—that acknowledge and consider menstruation.”
Coined by writer and menstrual movement activist Jennifer Weiss-Wolf, this supports policy efforts aimed at ending discriminatory tampon and menstrual-related taxes.
Breaking the Stigma
The more we talk about menstruation, the less shocking or taboo it becomes!
Menstrual Hygiene Day
The observation of Menstrual Hygiene Day is one of the many ways we can continue breaking down barriers within the menstrual movement.
Celebrated around the world on May 28, MH Day was created to draw attention to period poverty and tackle the stigma associated with periods. It’s also an opportunity to highlight the importance of every menstruator having access to safe, sanitary and hygienic products and spaces while on their period.
It’s hard to believe that there are still loads of people who think periods are “gross.” But having open conversations can help shed the stigma, normalize periods and advance the menstrual movement.
Join the Menstrual Movement and advocate at your school or workplace!
