Campaigners are highlighting the detrimental impact of shame surrounding periods on women's mental health. One woman, whose menstrual symptoms were misinterpreted as depression, has created her own social prescribing course. Meanwhile, two sisters leading the Love Your Period campaign stress the urgency of eliminating period taboos for young women. Molly Fenton, who developed Love Your Period, emphasizes the emotional, physical, and mental toll that embarrassment about periods can take on girls. She advocates for open conversations about menstrual health, lamenting the lack of education and discussion within families and schools. Initiatives like Love Your Period aim to normalize discussions about periods, particularly among young girls. Despite facing resistance, the sisters persist in their efforts to challenge societal norms and foster a culture of acceptance and understanding. Their work also aims to raise awareness about conditions like endometriosis and premenstrual dysphoric disorder, which often go undiagnosed due to stigma and lack of understanding. Kate Shepherd Cohen, creator of a social prescription course, shares her journey of discovering the connection between her menstrual cycle and her mental well-being. By charting her cycle and understanding its patterns, she has learned to manage her symptoms effectively.

According to WASH United, an NGO focusing on menstrual hygiene and human rights, approximately 500 million women and girls lack access to safe and hygienic period management, perpetuating feelings of embarrassment and stigma. In response to this global challenge, young feminist activists worldwide are leading grassroots campaigns and social media initiatives to challenge taboos, gender inequality, and period poverty. At the Human Rights Council’s 50th Session in Geneva, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelet Bachelet, emphasized the vital role of activism in addressing menstrual health issues. She underscored the intersectional nature of menstrual experiences, highlighting how factors like age, gender, race, disability, and socioeconomic status shape individuals' experiences.

Sapna Palep vividly remembers the embarrassment and fear she felt discussing menstruation when she was younger. Now, as a 43-year-old mother of two, she sees her daughters, 9-year-old Aviana Campello-Palep and 8-year-old Anaya, approach the topic with refreshing openness and confidence. Inspired by their candid conversations, the family has launched Girls With Big Dreams, a line of undergarments for tweens, including reusable period underwear, set to debut in early February. Aviana, embodying the spirit of her generation, views menstruation as a natural aspect of life. She hopes their initiative will empower others to embrace menstruation without shame. This openness among young people regarding periods and environmental sustainability is indicative of a cultural shift in how menstruation is perceived and managed. The market now offers a plethora of reusable period products tailored for teens and tweens, reflecting a youth-driven movement towards eco-friendly alternatives. Michela Bedard, executive director of Period Inc., emphasizes that young menstruators are shaping a new narrative around menstruation, opting for sustainable solutions throughout their lives.

Ahead of International Women’s Day on 8 March, human rights experts highlight ongoing harmful socio-cultural norms, stigma, and misconceptions surrounding menstruation. Despite recent efforts to challenge these taboos, further action is needed to address the discrimination women and girls face globally. In many countries, menstruating women are still seen as "contaminated," facing restrictions on daily activities and sometimes being banished to sheds, risking their health and safety. Patriarchal control and stigma undermine their agency and equality. The lack of privacy, clean toilets, and sanitary products worsens the situation, particularly for those in poverty, leading to serious health risks. Stigma also delays diagnoses of painful disorders like endometriosis. Limited menstruation knowledge affects girls' well-being and education, with first menstruation often linked to marriage readiness, increasing risks of adolescent pregnancy. Experts call for global efforts to address menstrual health, transform norms, and eliminate stigma. Despite legislative efforts, harmful practices persist, highlighting the need for continued education and intervention. Organizations like the UN Trust Fund, UNFPA, and UNICEF work to support menstrual health through education, hygiene product distribution, and policy advocacy. Efforts from Bolivia to Nigeria aim to educate communities, distribute hygiene kits, and integrate menstrual hygiene into policies. Progress is being made, but more global action is needed to ensure the well-being of women and girls.

Numerous health websites suggest that the colour of menstrual blood could offer insights into a woman's overall health. However, it's essential to note that while changes in colour may indicate various health conditions, it doesn't necessarily imply a serious issue. Here's what different colours of menstrual blood might signify: Dark or Brown Colour: Natural occurrence, indicating older blood shedding from the uterine lining. Often associated with slow blood flow or post-delivery periods. Pink Colour: Usually observed during lighter blood flow at the start or end of the period cycle. The colour change results from the mixture of mucous with blood. Orange or Rusty Colour: Indicates blood mixed with cervical fluid. If persistent or accompanied by other symptoms, medical consultation is recommended. Grey or Green Colour: Unusual colours like grey or green may indicate infections. Medical consultation is advised for proper diagnosis and treatment. Black Colour: Suggests old blood or slow shedding from the uterus. In some cases, it could signal a blocked vagina, especially if accompanied by severe pain or unpleasant odour. Key Considerations: Any sudden changes in bleeding patterns warrant a medical evaluation. For individuals experiencing fertility-related issues alongside changes in bleeding colour, consulting a gynaecologist is advisable. While understanding the colour of menstrual blood can offer valuable insights into one's health, it's crucial to approach any concerns with professional medical guidance. If you notice significant changes or symptoms, don't hesitate to seek timely medical assistance for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

For far too long, periods have remained a hushed topic in the workplace, shrouded in discomfort and taboo. However, a groundbreaking initiative called The Period Conversation is striving to change that narrative by fostering open, honest discussions about menstruation and its realities. Traditionally, menstruation has been veiled in discretion and shame, evident even in the branding of period products. But with its modern, interactive campaign website, The Period Conversation heralds a new era of understanding, blending empowerment with education in a stylish presentation. This innovative project is the brainchild of design agency Nice and Serious, born out of its 'Nice Works' initiative, which encourages creative endeavors addressing significant societal issues. Partnering with the charity Bloody Good Period, the interactive platform features questions sourced from individuals who don't menstruate, answered by those who do, supplemented with insights from the charity. This format dismantles the taboo surrounding menstruation, providing valuable information in a visually engaging manner. Sadie Devane, Senior Art Director at Nice and Serious, reflects on the project's genesis, stating, "The Period Conversation started with a conversation within our team about the impact of menstrual cycles on our creative output and the challenges we faced in our professional lives." This dialogue spurred the creation of a resource aimed at initiating similar conversations in workplaces and beyond. The project's visuals intentionally adopt a gender-neutral tone, steering away from the stereotypical pink and red hues associated with period branding. Senior Designer Anna Barton explains, "We aimed for designs that are both bright and inviting yet soft and serious, mirroring the diverse conversations featured." The chosen color palette reflects the four phases of the menstrual cycle, while the graphic elements draw inspiration from the fluidity of period blood, fostering organic dialogue. Creating an inclusive campaign posed challenges, requiring rigorous testing to ensure accessibility across diverse audiences. "We prioritized inclusivity, particularly appealing to men, through language, visuals, and tone," shares Sadie. Anna Barton reflects on her pride in the project's impact, noting, "This is the most personal project I’ve worked on, turning a negative experience into something inventive." Echoing this sentiment, Sadie expresses hope that The Period Conversation will inspire companies to initiate similar dialogues, implement inclusive policies, and support employees, thereby advancing menstrual equity. Rachel Grocott, CEO at Bloody Good Period, underscores the importance of reducing period stigma, emphasizing that providing wider knowledge contributes to the collective goal of menstrual equity. The Period Conversation project stands as a beacon of progress, challenging societal norms, and paving the way for more inclusive workplaces where no one is disadvantaged because of their period.