Destigmatizing Menstruation

What is this stigma?

Half the world’s population menstruates, yet it’s still treated like a secret that must be

hidden. The stigma around menstruation is the shame, secrecy, and negative beliefs tied

to periods. Menstruation is often believed to be “unclean” or “dirty”. People are told not

talk openly about it, and the side effects are dismissed as “overreacting”. Even to this day

and age, women feel embarrassed buying products or asking for help when they’re in need

of them — not because menstruation is shameful, but because society has taught them to

see it that way.

Why is this a stigma?

To understand why periods are still stigmatized, we need to look at the mix of ignorance,

tradition, and gender inequality that shaped these attitudes. A lot of myths, lack of

education, and cultural beliefs come to play a role in this ongoing shame around periods.

Many societies never taught people (especially boys and men) what periods actually are,

and period blood has been seen as impure or dangerous across many cultures. Thus,

silence around the topic, especially among women, has come to take its place. Therefore,

since people rarely talked about it, the silence itself made periods feel “secret” or

“shameful.” In fact, some ancient traditions restricted menstruating women from cooking,

entering temples, or even touching water, reinforcing the idea that periods were something

to hide. At its core, the stigma reflects broader gender inequality. By labeling menstruation

as “unclean,” societies have used it as a way to limit women’s roles and voices.

UNFPA Nigeria

Where did the stigma come from?

So, where did this stigma even take root? See, there are many religions and cultures across

the globe that restrict periods and discriminate against menstruating people. For example,

the Quaran states that menstruation is “harm”, and should be kept away from. Another

example would be the traditional Jewish term niddah, from the Old Testament that means,

"one who is excluded" or "expelled”. In Hindu traditions, menstruating women are often

restricted from entering temples or participating in religious rituals. Similarly, in some

Christian communities, women were historically barred from certain practices or labeled as

‘unclean’ during their cycles. Over time, what began as cultural or religious “rules” evolved

into widespread silence and shame, passed down through generations

How can we reduce the stigma?

Open communication:

If the stigma is learned, then it can also be unlearned — and

destigmatizing menstruation starts with open conversations and education. The simplest

action an individual can take is to openly discuss the topic regarding menstruation, instead ofjust discussing it vaguely. This can be done with friends and family, co-workers, acquaintances, or really anyone on a broader scale. Schools and workplaces can play a key role in ending period stigma by making sure menstrual products are easily available for anyone who needs them. Using clear and open language in their policies and communications can also help normalize the conversation and break the taboo around menstruation.

Affordability:

One of the biggest barriers to menstrual equity is the cost of sanitary products. Pads, tampons, and menstrual cups may seem like small monthly expenses, but over a lifetime, they add up to thousands of dollars. For many people, especially students or people in

developing countries, it can be extremely overwhelming. Making sanitary products affordable or even free at places is a crucial step in destigmatization. It not only meets a basic health need but also sends a clear message: Menstruation is normal and natural, and no one should be held back because of it.

Media Influences:

Another powerful way to destigmatize menstruation is through how it is

represented in media and culture. For decades, movies and T.V shows have reinforced

menstruation as something to hide, often using them as punchlines or a source of shame.

Campaigns that show red blood, stories that highlight real experiences, and characters who

talk about their periods without embarrassment all contribute to breaking the stigma. Positive representation helps normalize periods for everyone, especially young people who are still forming their views about their bodies. When the media stops treating menstruation as a joke or a secret and instead treats it as a normal part of life, it sends a clear message: there is nothing to be ashamed of.

Men's Role:

While menstruation directly affects women and people who menstruate, men also play a crucial role in ending this generational stigma. Boys have grown up hearing periods talked about as something “gross” or “private,” which only makes them ignorant of it and fuels shame. Teaching boys from a young age that menstruation is natural helps them understand this bit a little more which would make them stand up for this cause as well, hence helping women rise in their power.

Menstruation, which often comes across as unhygienic and impure, is indeed a natural part of women’s bodies which regulates the reproductive cycle and reflects overall health. Each of us have the ability to break this stigmatization around menstruation by speaking openly,

supporting women, and challenging those outdated myths. By normalizing periods, we create a safe and healthy space for women to express themselves with no shame and potentially help them in a way they don’t feel excluded from things.