How to Take Action Against Period Shaming

Unfortunately, period shaming is still a very real problem that happens to many people in their teens. It happens surprisingly frequently, and can cause serious problems such as anxiety and depression. But, there are many ways you can help fight period shaming, such as educating yourself and others about menstruation, and spreading the word about period shaming. Read on to find ways to take action against period shaming, and educate yourself about it in the process.

Part 1
Part 1 of 2:

Understanding What is Period Shaming

  1. 1
    Understand the definition of period shaming. Period shaming, or period stigma is a term for the shaming, or stigma of people who are on their period. [1] It can happen through words, or from certain actions such as making fun of someone with a period stain, [2] and treating people on their periods as "impure." [3] Period shaming can also happen through medical discrimination, such as being turned down access to healthcare because "It's just cramps".
    • Period shaming does not only happen in rich areas such as Europe or North America. It is a worldwide issue.
    • Period shaming is a very real problem, with real consequences.
  2. 2
    Understand the physical problems of period shaming. Many people in poor areas do not get access to good-quality period products as a result of period shaming. This puts them at a higher risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), and other vaginal diseases.
    • One of the most direct results of period shaming is that many people are ashamed to spend their money on sanitary products, leaving them vulnerable to vaginal infections such as TSS (Toxic shock syndrome).
    • Some people may face discrimination due to menstruation in the workplace [4] .
    • Studies from Kenya show that some schoolgirls engage in transactional sex to pay for menstrual products. [5]
    • Many people in poor areas cannot afford sanitary products, and have to resort to using dried leaves, fabric, and newspapers as pads. This can lead to a higher risk of infection.
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  3. 3
    Understand the psychological effects of period shaming. Many people who menstruate get bullied as a result of menstruation, and they can develop issues such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and body image issues. [6] [7] Teenage girls are especially prone to developing serious mental disorders as a result of period shaming in schools.
    • Studies show that period shaming can be tied to sexual decision making. A good example is the fact that people who experience period shaming are likely to have difficulty asserting and protecting themselves during sexual encounters [8] .
    • Some people develop mental health issues, and even try to commit suicide as a result of period shaming. [9]
  4. 4
    Understand that you should not be ashamed of your period. Being on your period is a normal thing that many people go through, and it is totally normal.
    • If you are experiencing serious cramps or excessive bleeding, go to a doctor immediately.
    • Do not assume someone is a woman just because they menstruate. Transgender men and many people outside the gender binary also menstruate. Not all women menstruate, and not only women menstruate [10] .
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Part 2
Part 2 of 2:

Taking Action Against Period Shaming

  1. 1
    Educate yourself and others about menstruation. Depending on your role in society, you can take action against period shaming in different ways. If you are a teacher or a parent, you can take action against period shaming by educating your child about menstruation, and it's a normal thing that you should not be ashamed of. [11] Education plays an important role in normalising menstruation by making menstruation a commonly talked about topic, instead of one that is viewed as taboo in many cultures [12] .
    • If you work in healthcare, do not dismiss people on their periods by using the excuse that "It's just a period".
    • If you are a teacher, consider talking openly about menstruation in health or sex ed class. You can mention how menstruation is not only a thing that happens to girls, and that it's not "dirty".
    • If you work in religious services, do not dismiss people who are menstruating from praying or visiting a sacred space. People who are menstruating are not "Dirtier" than other people.
  2. 2
    Talk openly about period shaming. Talking about your period can help dispel some of the stigma surrounding menstruation, and dispel myths around menstruation. It can also prevent people from using menstruation as a way to deny people resources in the workplace and in politics. [13]
    • Avoid using coded words for your period. Words like "Aunt Flo" and "Code Red" only add to the shaming and discrimination of your period. [14]
    • You can do presentations to raise awareness, or make posters to put up around your neighborhood.
    • You don't have to do something drastic to fight period shaming, just spreading the word is a great way to start! [15]
    • Talk to your teachers, and urge them to provide menstrual products / clean facilities in the school bathrooms.
  3. 3
    Make political change. Period shaming is a large scale issue, so you should try to peak to your local MP/Senator and convince them to take action in ways such as improving sex ed / health classes in your school, or to reduce pink tax on menstrual products such as pads and tampons.
    • It doesn't have to be anything big, even writing a letter or starting a petition can be a huge step in the way of fighting period shaming.
  4. 4
    Provide access to menstrual products. A good way to provide access to menstrual products in poor areas is to donate to reputable charities to fight period poverty . You can also start fundraisers, or start a blog.
    • Many students in China started a sanitary supplies box to help people who cannot afford period supplies, or are too ashamed to buy products [16] . This is a great way to take action against period shaming and period poverty in schools.
    • You can also speak to your local government about recognising  menstrual products as an essential product, and reducing pink tax on sanitary supplies.
    • If you live in Scotland, you can download the PickUpMyPeriod app to find the nearest location where you can get free sanitary products. [17]
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-period-stigma-5116231
      2. ↑ https://www.the-star.co.ke/sasa/lifestyle/2022-01-25-period-shaming-what-it-is-and-how-to-stop-it/
      3. ↑ https://blog.ladiesfirst.life/lifestyle/time-to-end-period-shaming/
      4. ↑ https://journals.library.columbia.edu/index.php/cjgl/article/view/8841
      5. ↑ https://www.unfpa.org/news/period-shame-misinformation-linked-serious-human-rights-concerns
      6. ↑ https://powergummies.com/blogs/news/period-shaming-but-whats-really-shameful-about-having-periods
      7. ↑ https://www.girlnowwomanlater.org/post/the-psychological-dangers-of-period-shaming
      8. ↑ https://www.girlnowwomanlater.org/post/the-psychological-dangers-of-period-shaming
      9. ↑ https://aho.org/health-topics/girls-and-period-shaming/
      1. ↑ https://mainefamilyplanning.org/health-care/how-we-can-better-educate-our-youth-on-menstruation/
      2. ↑ https://www.unicef.org/rosa/stories/period-lesson-plan-guide-menstruation-teachers
      3. ↑ https://powergummies.com/blogs/news/period-shaming-but-whats-really-shameful-about-having-periods
      4. ↑ https://mainefamilyplanning.org/health-care/how-we-can-better-educate-our-youth-on-menstruation/
      5. ↑ https://www.the-star.co.ke/sasa/lifestyle/2022-01-25-period-shaming-what-it-is-and-how-to-stop-it/
      6. ↑ https://phiacup.com/blogs/health-wellness/what-is-period-shaming-and-how-can-we-overcome-it
      7. ↑ https://new.qq.com/rain/a/20201108A0AWSV00
      8. ↑ https://www.mygov.scot/free-period-products

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