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Menstrual Hygiene Day

Many women do not have access to feminine hygiene products, which can lead to shame and even dropping out of school. Donate to charities to help rectify this.

Body & Health Education Healthcare Life & Living Women65

Marketing angleinferred

Position your menstrual health or hygiene brand as a champion of period equity and stigma-breaking, driving donations, product awareness, and community engagement during May.

Relevance 65medium intent

Share stories of women/girls gaining access to safe menstrual products and staying in school
Highlight ingredient transparency and safety certifications in your product line
Partner with NGOs to donate products and amplify the #MenstrualEquity message
Host educational workshops or webinars on menstrual health myths vs. facts

History

Menstrual Hygiene Day has a quirky and impactful history. It’s about turning the tide on period stigma and making menstrual care accessible to everyone, everywhere.

Kicked off by the go-getter NGO WASH United in 2013, this day quickly made its mark by starting a global conversation about periods.

The choice of May 28 for its annual celebration wasn’t random; it cleverly mirrors the average menstrual cycle of 28 days and the five days of menstruation, aligning with May being the fifth month. It’s like they wrapped the whole menstrual experience into one date!

The purpose of the day is to break taboos and spread the word that menstruation is normal and should be stigma-free. The aim is to ensure everyone can manage their menstruation safely, hygienically, and without shame by 2030.

The movement has grown massively, with over 970 partners worldwide working on providing access to quality menstrual products. They educate people about menstruation, change negative social norms, and push for policy changes, like reducing taxes on period products.

The global reach and impact of Menstrual Hygiene Day are nothing short of amazing. What started with reaching over 20 million people in its first year has ballooned to touching nearly 700 million lives by 2022. That’s a lot of conversations and changed attitudes about menstruation!

Changes are happening, with various countries implementing policies to make menstrual products freely available in schools and workplaces and even incorporating menstrual education into school curriculums.

How to celebrate

Rally for Your Right to Know

Advocate for transparency in period product ingredients. Support legislation that demands full disclosure of what’s in these products to ensure they’re safe and free from harmful chemicals.

Follow and Support Champions of Menstrual Equity

On social media, engage with and amplify the voices of organizations and individuals who are fighting for menstrual equity.

Join a Virtual Workshop

Participate in online workshops like “Our Story, Our Flow,” which offer interactive discussions about menstruation. These workshops welcome individuals of all gender identities and are a great way to learn and share experiences.

Support and Celebrate Breakthroughs in Menstrual Health

Applaud the achievements in countries like Bhutan, where sanitary pads are available at all times. Celebrate initiatives like the Red Dot campaign, which promotes menstrual health and hygiene through creative and engaging ways.

Engage in Public and Community Events

Getting involved in public activities can make a significant impact. These can include visiting children’s homes to donate pads or engaging in educational sessions about menstrual health.

Empower Girl Guides and Scouts

Take part in activities aimed at empowering girls in hard-to-reach areas. These can range from teaching how to use reusable pads to organizing events that provide sanitary products.

FAQ

What is menstrual hygiene management and what does it actually involve in daily life?

Menstrual hygiene management refers to having the knowledge, materials, and facilities needed to manage menstruation safely and with dignity. In practice, this means access to clean and reliable menstrual products, private toilets with water and soap, a place to change and wash, and safe ways to dispose of used materials. It also includes accurate information about the menstrual cycle, pain management, and when to seek medical care. Menstrual hygiene management is considered part of basic water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) standards in schools, workplaces, and communities.

How does poor menstrual hygiene affect physical health?

Poor menstrual hygiene can increase the risk of infections of the reproductive and urinary tracts. Using unclean or damp materials, not changing products frequently, or lacking water and soap to wash the genital area can contribute to bacterial growth and irritation. Reusing disposable products or inserting unhygienic materials can also raise health risks. While mild discomfort is common during menstruation, persistent pain, foul-smelling discharge, fever, or severe irritation can signal conditions that require medical attention.

What is “period poverty” and how is it different from general poverty?

Period poverty refers specifically to the lack of access to affordable menstrual products, adequate sanitation facilities, and menstrual health education. It is possible for someone to experience period poverty even in a relatively wealthy country if products are too expensive, bathrooms are unsafe or inadequate, or information about menstrual health is limited or stigmatized. Period poverty can lead to missed school or work, use of unsafe materials, and feelings of shame or isolation that go beyond the effects of low income alone.

Are reusable menstrual products as safe and effective as disposable ones?

Reusable menstrual products such as menstrual cups, cloth pads, and period underwear can be safe and effective when used and cleaned according to instructions. Research has found that menstrual cups perform as well as many disposable options for leak protection and are generally well tolerated. Safety depends on proper handwashing, thorough cleaning and drying between uses, and replacing products when they show signs of wear. Choice of product should take into account comfort, access to clean water, cultural preferences, and individual medical conditions.

Do people need to avoid exercise, bathing, or certain foods during menstruation?

From a medical standpoint, most people can continue normal activities such as exercising, bathing, swimming, and eating their usual foods during menstruation. Moderate physical activity may even help reduce cramps and improve mood. Bathing and showering are safe and support good hygiene. Some individuals prefer to adjust activities based on their energy levels or pain, but strict restrictions often stem from cultural beliefs rather than scientific evidence. Anyone with very heavy bleeding, severe pain, or dizziness should consult a health professional.

Why is menstruation still heavily stigmatized in many societies?

Menstruation stigma often comes from long‑standing cultural taboos around blood, fertility, and women’s bodies, combined with limited education about reproductive health. In some communities, menstruation is linked with ideas of impurity or shame, which can restrict participation in school, religious activities, or social life. Silence around the topic can reinforce myths and prevent people from asking questions or seeking care. Studies show that open discussion, comprehensive sexuality education, and visible support from community and religious leaders can gradually reduce stigma.

How can schools and workplaces support good menstrual hygiene for students and staff?

Schools and workplaces can support menstrual hygiene by ensuring clean, private toilets with doors that lock, access to water and soap, and bins with lids for safe disposal of used products. Providing free or low‑cost menstrual products, clear policies that allow bathroom breaks when needed, and education on menstrual health can reduce absenteeism and discomfort. Training staff to talk about menstruation respectfully and to handle requests for support without embarrassment also helps create an inclusive environment for people who menstruate.