Menstrual Hygiene Day is held annually on 28th May with the goal of raising awareness of the need for menstrual hygiene rights for everyone worldwide. The Period Project Merseyside visited the firm to educate our staff on period poverty in Merseyside and how we can all help work towards period equity.
What is Period Poverty?
Period poverty refers to the lack of access to menstrual products due to financial constraints. It affects individuals who are unable to afford or access essential menstrual supplies, such as pads, tampons, or menstrual cups.
The issue is particularly prevalent in the United Kingdom, with 1 in 5 girls unable to afford period products and half of them having to cut back on food and groceries to be able to buy them. Making the choice between period products and food is a reality for far too many, leading people to potentially use inappropriate and harmful alternatives, such as socks, newspapers, or soiled products.
Despite Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales making huge strides such as changes to legislation and providing free period products in public buildings and schools, England has made no such commitments. This lack of action has devastating impacts, such as negative effects on health, difficulties in attending school or work, and feelings of shame. To achieve complete period equity, menstrual products should be freely available to all.
Menstrual Hygiene Day
Menstrual Hygiene Day (also referred to as World Menstrual Day) is a time dedicated to destigmatizing menstruation and providing free access to period products.
Promoting dignity, well-being, and gender equality relies on achieving menstrual equity. This means ensuring everyone has equal access to menstrual resources. By doing so, individuals are empowered to access education, break stigmas, and maintain good reproductive health.
The Period Project Merseyside
The Period Project Merseyside is a social initiative with the goal of providing education on period poverty and supplying free menstrual items to those in need.
We welcomed Natalie Denny, Chair of The Period Project Merseyside to educate our staff on the extent of period poverty in Merseyside, and how we can all help work towards period equity. Here are some of the things that were highlighted:
- Normalise menstruation and challenge the stigma surrounding it. After all, it’s completely natural!
- Email your local MP. Bloody Good Period have provided an email template here.
- Volunteer for The Period Project Merseyside. Find out more here.
- Fundraise
“Pay with a Pad”
In aid of Menstrual Hygiene Day, CEL Solicitors hosted a fundraising bake sale where instead of paying with cash, we asked our staff to “Pay with a Pad”. The menstrual products will then be donated to The Period Project Merseyside and distributed to those in need.
As a firm we are committed to helping our local communities and feel privileged to be supporting The Period Project Merseyside in their mission to end period poverty. Everybody should have access to free menstrual products, feel empowered, supported, and able to manage their periods without shame or financial burden.
Menstrual equity is not just a matter of human rights, but also a step towards creating a more inclusive, equal, and compassionate society for all. Together, we can ensure that menstruation is no longer a barrier to the well-being and opportunities of individuals around the world.
