Today, 28th May, marks World Menstrual Day—a global initiative dedicated to breaking the silence around menstruation and ensuring that every girl and woman has access to the resources, education, and support they need to manage their periods with dignity. This year’s theme, “Together for a #PeriodFriendlyWorld,” emphasises the collective responsibility we all share in creating supportive environments where menstruation is no longer a barrier to participation in daily life.
Menstruation is a completely natural biological process that affects approximately half of the world’s population. For girls, getting their first period marks a significant milestone in their journey toward womanhood—it’s a sign that their bodies are developing normally and healthily. Yet despite being a natural part of human biology, menstruation continues to be shrouded in shame, silence, and stigma in many communities. We must normalise conversations about periods and help young girls understand that menstruation is not something to be ashamed of, but rather a sign of their body’s incredible ability to prepare for potential life creation.
Creating a supportive environment for girls and women requires the active participation of boys and men as allies. Education is the foundation of this support. When boys and men understand the biological process of menstruation, they’re less likely to perpetuate myths or stigma. Schools, families, and communities should include boys in menstrual health education programs, helping them understand that periods are a normal part of life for half the population.
Boys and men can offer practical support by being understanding when girls need to miss activities or require additional toilet breaks, supporting policies that provide free menstrual products in schools and workplaces, and speaking up against period shaming or jokes that perpetuate stigma. Male allies can also use their voices and positions of influence to advocate for menstrual equity, supporting legislation for free menstrual products and funding for menstrual health programmes. Most importantly, they can help create environments where girls feel comfortable discussing their needs by fostering open, respectful conversations.
The Starlight Foundation has been at the forefront of menstrual health education and support through our comprehensive “Let Her Know” initiative, generously funded by the Wings of Support organisation. Through this financial support, The Starlight Foundation is currently assisting over 500 underprivileged schoolgirls with both reusable and disposable sanitary pads, enabling these young women to stay in school during menstruation and ensuring their education remains uninterrupted.
Our “Let Her Know” initiative extends far beyond just providing sanitary products. We conduct regular educational workshops in schools and communities, teaching girls about menstrual health, proper hygiene practices, and how to manage their periods safely and confidently. We also work with parents, teachers, and community leaders to break down cultural barriers and reduce stigma surrounding menstruation. Recognising that menstrual health affects entire communities, we include boys and male community members in our educational programs, helping them understand how they can be supportive allies.
Additionally, we collaborate with local healthcare providers to ensure they can offer appropriate support and guidance to young girls experiencing menstrual health issues. By providing reusable sanitary pads alongside disposable options, we’re helping families develop long-term, environmentally friendly solutions to menstrual health management. Our approach focuses on creating lasting change by working with schools to establish menstrual health policies, training teachers to support students, and creating peer support networks where older girls mentor younger ones.
Working together towards a #PeriodFriendlyWorld means recognising that menstrual health is everyone’s responsibility. When we support girls through their menstrual health journey, the benefits extend far beyond the individual. Girls who stay in school during their periods are more likely to complete their education, pursue higher studies, and contribute meaningfully to their communities. This creates a positive cycle that benefits families, communities, and society as a whole.
As we observe World Menstrual Day, let’s commit to continuing these important conversations throughout the year. The work being done through initiatives like “Let Her Know” represents hope for a future where no girl has to choose between her education and her period. Together, we can create a world where menstruation is met with support rather than shame, understanding rather than ignorance, and empowerment rather than embarrassment.
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