Today, I was planning on finally finishing and publishing my Kylie Lip Kit review, but as I was browsing through my YouTube subscriptions this morning, something came to my attention and I felt this overwhelming need to share it.
Periods.
WAIT! WHERE DO YOU THINK YOU’RE GOING?!
As an avid feminist and advocate of world equality, I recognise that talking about that monthly visit from Aunt Flo is not exactly the norm. Perhaps we are embarrassed or would rather not be reminded that she’s on her way, but either way she has become rather taboo to talk about.
Unfortunately we live in a world where inequality has stooped to the level of ordinary bodily functions which is honestly quite sad and really needs to change.
I realise that we will probably never get to the point where women can be wholeheartedly open in terms of being able to talk about their period around men- I get it.
But today, I want to ask three small things of you.
Educate
I live in Australia, and here (at least in my area) it is a compulsory part of the school curriculum to learn all about menstruation and other topics of this sort for both girls and boys.
I do however, recognise that other countries do not include the topic whatsoever, or boys are excluded from this segment.
I’m not here to change the law, although that would be great, but I am here with a quick task for you.
Please educate yourself. Men- that includes you.
The internet is your friend so go hog wild. And hey, if you’re in a relationship with a woman, you will get some serious brownie points if you actually understand what’s going on and don’t litter her with comments like “it can’t be that bad!” or “suck it up!”.
A general rule of thumb for you is- if you don’t feel thankful for not having to go through it, you haven’t done enough research.
Embrace
Now that the men have their task, I have one for all of my fellow ladies.
Embrace it!
We spend far too much time worrying about hiding the fact that Aunt Flo has made herself at home, and trying to stuff a tampon or pad up our sleeve to avoid your work or schoolmates seeing them while you trot to the bathroom.
I’m not suggesting that you stand on your desk with a megaphone to proclaim it to the world, but take baby steps. Whether that be having a discussion with your friends or telling the truth when someone asks you about it.
Every little bit makes a difference in erasing the stigma.
Donate
Now to an issue which is slightly heartbreaking to me.
So now that we’ve all done our research and case studies and know just how frustratingly terrible this monthly visitor can be, I need you to imagine something.
You’re a woman living on the streets.
The little money you have is spent on food.
What do you do when the cycle begins?
I am able to spend my money on period products every month without a second thought, but so many women in the world are not as lucky.
We all do our bit to contribute to the homeless by providing food and toiletries, but feminine hygiene products are completely overlooked.
While watching Ingrid Nilsen’s July favourites this morning, a wonderful campaign was brought to my attention.
U by Kotex has just launched their “Power to the Period” campaign with dosomething.org in the US which you can check out here.
The awareness for this issue is growing day by day which is wonderful, but it’s super important to not only be aware of it, but to do something.
Little ways you can help get involved include:
- If you’re in a position where you can afford it, buy an extra box of pads or tampons each month and donate them to your nearest homeless shelter.
- Set up a box in your workplace and encourage your coworkers to donate.
- Businesses selling feminine hygiene products- set up a box in your store to encourage your customers to donate.
- Men, this doesn’t exclude you- donating to any cause is a rewarding experience and not only will you be helping out women in need, you will be helping to erase the stigma day by day. Thumbs up for you!
So there we have it!
This was a rather impromptu post and I didn’t really plan it out at all, but I hope that all of you have taken something from the information put forward.
Something needs to change, and change starts with you. Period.
Ciao!
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Header Image- U by Kotex Power to the Period campaign via twist magazine
