Breaking the Stigma Around Menstrual Health

Menstruation is a natural and biological process that adversely affects roughly half of the global population. Unfortunately, taboos, myths, and misconceptions still dominate, creating an oppressive and dangerous environment, limiting the ability of girls and women to safely and hygienically manage their menstrual health with dignity. Social exclusion and discrimination simply because of their menstrual cycle are daily companions for millions of women and girls worldwide.

Normalising what’s normal

The stigmatisation of menstruation is far-reaching and can gravely affect various aspects of the lives of girls and women across the globe. In 2009 the Somalian-born supermodel model Waris Dirie first shed light on the obsession with purity and cleanliness expressed through the widespread practice of FGM (female genital mutilation) with her global bestseller Desert Flower. Through her harrowing personal account, Waris Dirie broke the prevailing silence on women’s genitalia and the menstrual cycle.

As a result, 2013 marked a turning point with the issue reaching global awareness through the initiation of World Menstruation Day on the 28^th of May.

The international advocacy platform unites non-profits, government agencies, individuals, the private sector and the media, promoting good menstrual health and hygiene (MHH). Their goal is that ​“By 2030, it is possible to create a world where no one is held back because they menstruate. This means a world where menstruation can be managed safely, hygienically, with confidence, and without shame.”

Period Poverty

The lack of open conversation and education about menstruation due to societal norms and prejudices perpetuates myths and misinformation. It leaves many girls and women ill-prepared and perplexed at the onset of their first period. This inadvertently leads to health risks, increased infection vulnerability, and social exclusion. In addition, global inequality exacerbates the issue regarding access to monetary support, sanitation and clean water.

As a result, hygiene products are either unaffordable or unavailable, which has given rise to the term ​“period poverty”. With products such as books and flowers being charged less than menstrual hygiene products, Germany finally eliminated its 19% tampon tax in 2019. Yet, Germany’s tampon tax ranks 11^th out of the 28 EU member states with a similar tax.

Tampons, along with caviar and truffles, are also taxed as luxury items in certain US states, while condoms aren’t. Gravely overdue, the UK is finally offering free sanitary products since early 2020 to girls in all English primary schools to counter the effects of period poverty.

In 2014 Jyoti Sanghera, chief of the UN Human Rights Office on Economic and Social Issues, deemed this stigmatisation ​“a violation of several human rights, most importantly the right to human dignity”.

Instead of safe and sanitary menstrual products, girls and women are still forced to use makeshift materials like rags, newspapers, or leaves almost a decade later. According to WSSCC, only 12% of India’s 355 million menstruating women use sanitary napkins.

Lack of access to safe and reliable menstrual products

In certain parts of the world, the inability to access safe and reliable menstrual products is an outright threat to girls’ education, as they may miss school during their periods, further perpetuating gender inequality. UNICEF estimates 10% of African girls don’t attend school during their periods.

One study revealed an increased dropout rate, women missing work and suffering from repeated vaginal infections because of unsanitary menstrual products. The study showed that 73% of female factory workers in Bangladesh could not attend work and therefore received less pay, an average of six days every month, because of their periods.

The shame and embarrassment associated with menstruation often lead to further isolation and social exclusion, enforcing the treatment of women as second-class citizens in numerous countries worldwide. As a result, the well-being of girls and women is radically undermined as they often face ridicule or are shunned during their periods.

Craig Mokhiber, Chief of the UN Human Rights Office Development and Economic and Social Issues Branch, stated, ​“In a world where 2.5 billion persons lack adequate sanitation, where menstruation is often stigmatised, and women face multiple forms of discrimination, the failure to take immediate action to guarantee their right to water, sanitation and hygiene poses dire consequences.”

Menstrual hygiene is a healthcare issue

Although the issue is clearly a healthcare issue, gender inequality and power misalignment have dominated the discourse. Thankfully, diverse and predominantly indigenous cultures worldwide portray and celebrate the menstrual cycle as a rite of passage and a coming-of-age.

For example, in the Amazonian Tikuna tribe, girls spend three months to a year living in private rooms in their family homes after their first period. This time is called ​“Pelazón”. During this time, other tribe members introduce them to the tribe’s history, music and belief systems.

In addition, the Native American tribes in North America celebrate the occasion with The Sunrise Ceremony and a feast. This involves different rituals where girls from the respective tribe receive and offer gifts whilst wearing symbolic outfits.

Replacing wasteful practices with sustainable menstrual products

Certain brands have responded to the need for a radical overhaul regarding menstrual products. They have been actively working to destigmatise, focusing on sustainability, access, and ease of use. From menstrual cups to period underwear, tampons, and pads, several options offer certain benefits but are subject to various existing factors determining their feasibility and accessibility.

Menstrual cups

Menstrual cups have grown in popularity in recent years, and rightly so. They are reusable and eco-friendly, reducing waste. Providing up to 12 hours of protection, they are cost-effective as they can be used for several years. The French brand Lunacopine, available for purchase at Supergoods and manufactured in Finland, provides a chemical-free alternative with menstrual health at its business core. Their collaboration with gynaecologists and obstetricians means their products are reliable, durable and safe. The brand Fair Squared sold at Kiez in Antwerp, has menstrual cups made of fair-trade rubber from India and Sri Lanka. At Plastic Free Amsterdam, you can find menstrual cups from the brands AllMatters and Nüdie.

Menstrual cups may require a slight learning curve in usage and access to clean water and private space for maintenance. Some women may also feel they are uncomfortable. Yet, in addition to period underwear, they are the ideal solution to pursuing a zero-waste lifestyle.

Tampons

Traditionally manufactured by blending rayon and conventional cotton, the tampon has undergone a makeover with certified organic cotton grown without pesticides or synthetic fertilisers. This makes it biodegradable and free from chlorine bleaching, fragrance, and other potentially harmful chemicals. In addition, cardboard or compostable plant-based applicators have replaced traditional plastic packaging. Finally, reusable tampon applicators, made from medical-grade silicone or recycled plastic, have also entered the market. KUDZU and Blabloom have sustainable tampons on offer by the brand natracare. At Supergoods and Het Faire Oosten, you will find organic cotton tampons by Yoni, made in Germany.

The discretion, convenience and blood-flow adaptability tampons provide make them an ideal solution. Yet their single-use also significantly contributes to waste. In addition, if not used correctly or removed within a specific time frame, there is also a potential risk of toxic shock syndrome (TSS).

Menstrual pads

Menstrual pads are widely available and suitable for all women who may not be comfortable using internal products. Instead of plastics, eco-friendly materials such as bamboo, organic cotton, bioplastics and biodegradable films constitute sustainable menstrual pads.

Composting disposable eco-pads generally requires a commercial composting facility equipped to handle biodegradable products. Industry-standard menstrual pads are predominantly made of several layers of non-woven synthetic fibres such as polyester or polypropylene.

Unfortunately, disposable menstrual pads significantly contribute to waste and may even cause skin irritation or rashes. Thankfully, more brands have begun offering washable and reusable, eco-friendly options. For example, IMSE is a pioneer in reusable organic cotton pads reinforced with a thin layer of polyurethane laminated polyester to make them leakproof. These pads are ideal in combination with a menstrual cup or tampons. The brand is available at several stores, including Supergoods, Blabloom and Plastic Free Amsterdam. Find reusable sanitary pads made of bamboo from Bambaw at OHNE.

These, though, require washing and, therefore, access to clean water.

Period underwear

Absorbent period underwear has seen a surge in popularity for its reusability and eco-friendliness. Leak-resistant and available in numerous styles, absorbency levels and colours, they are an ideal and body-inclusive solution.

Miokoo offers 100% European-made period-proof underwear developed through in-depth technological research to provide state-of-the-art underwear you can trust. Each menstrual panty is designed with four innovative textile layers for maximum protection. Although a pair of miokoo panties is an initial investment, it becomes cost-effective over time compared to the ongoing expense of sanitary napkins. Moreover, this investment is justified considering Miokoo’s commitment to environmental and social responsibility. They opt for high-quality, sustainable fabrics and pay their workers fair wages. A pair of miokoo panties are built to last over five years, are also repairable, and come with a three-year guarantee. By choosing miokoo, you can save up to 1kg of plastic waste annually. You can shop miokoo at their flagship store or at Supergoods, Blabloom, OHNE Ternat, Kiez and Fonetik.

ZD Zero Defects offers basic and comfortable period panties designed with super-absorbent and fully breathable fabrics. These panties are primarily crafted from Soy Thread and organic cotton, ensuring your intimate area stays completely dry and odor-free due to their antibacterial properties.

Another bespoke brand offering elegant and discreet menstrual panties is Ophelia Lingerie, which only sources European fabrics. Each piece is handmade in Antwerp by Paulien and Ophelia.

Do you live in the Netherlands? Then you can also buy menstrual underwear at Plastic Free Amsterdam. Here you can shop the brands Lotties Period and WUKA.

Period underwear is a cost-effective and zero-waste solution in the long run, requiring an initial, one-off investment. Access to clean water for washing is also a necessity.

Ultimately, the choice of menstrual products depends on individual preferences and available funds, comfort, flow intensity, lifestyle, and environmental considerations.

Need help to determine what products are the right fit? Kudzu offers diverse brands such as La Rénarde, ECO by Naty, Fair Squared or DivineCup. Their products range from period panties, organic cotton washable pads, disposable eco-pads and tampons, and an array of menstrual cups made from medical-grade silicone or natural rubber. This is the perfect one-stop shop for all your eco-friendly menstrual care needs.

Interwoven: Gender Equality and Health Education

Fulfilling open conversations and promoting comprehensive menstrual education are crucial to breaking the stigma surrounding menstrual hygiene. Only then will girls and women live with their periods confidently and without shame. In addition, menstrual — and health education must become fully inclusive and involve boys and men. They play a vital role in promoting understanding and equality and breaking with outdated traditions harming women and girls, such as FGM (female genital mutilation).

World Menstrual Hygiene Day is a powerful reminder that menstruation is a natural process that must be disassociated from existing stigma and ridicule. Instead, menstrual hygiene must be prioritised as a public health issue and reframed as a collective responsibility directly linked to human rights and gender equality.