Anna Nova Galeon

29-05-2025

Image by AtlasComposer via Envato Elements

Together for a #PeriodFriendlyWorld: Empowering people through menstrual health awareness

Each year on 28 May, we observe Menstrual Hygiene Day, a global movement dedicated to promoting menstrual health, hygiene, and dignity for women, girls, and people who menstruate worldwide. Founded by WASH United in 2014, Menstrual Hygiene Day shines a light on the pressing need for menstrual equity, challenging the deeply rooted stigma and taboos that surround menstruation in many cultures and communities.

The theme for 2025, “Together for a #PeriodFriendlyWorld”, reflects a powerful and inclusive vision. It encourages individuals, organisations, educators, and governments to unite in action, pushing for systems and environments that uphold menstrual health as a basic human right.

The importance of menstrual health and wellbeing

Menstruation is a normal biological process. Yet for millions globally, it remains a barrier to education, employment, and personal dignity. Poor access to sanitary products, clean and safe toilets, and accurate information continues to put lives and futures at risk, especially in low-resource settings.

Key challenges include:

• Lack of access to affordable, quality menstrual products
• Inadequate Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) facilities
• Limited education about menstrual and reproductive health
• Cultural taboos and stigma that silence discussions
• Gender inequality and discrimination in health policies.

According to the World Bank, at least 500 million people globally lack adequate facilities for managing their periods. Many school-aged girls miss classes or drop out altogether due to period-related challenges. Similarly, in the workplace, the absence of supportive policies leads to reduced productivity, absenteeism, and emotional stress.

What does a #PeriodFriendlyWorld look like?

A #PeriodFriendlyWorld is one where menstrual health is prioritised, respected, and protected, regardless of gender, geography, or economic status. It is a world where:

• Menstruation is not a source of shame, but a natural and manageable part of life.
• Schools and workplaces are equipped with sanitary facilities and free menstrual products.
• Everyone has access to comprehensive education on menstrual and reproductive health.
• Gender norms and harmful myths are replaced with understanding and empathy.
• Governments and organisations create and enforce policies that support menstrual wellbeing.

Our shared responsibility

In 2025, the campaign aims to build collective momentum. It is no longer about isolated initiatives but about joining forces across sectors to create sustainable, systemic change.

Here's how different sectors can contribute:

• Governments can implement national policies to ensure menstrual products are freely available in public institutions and that menstrual health is integrated into public health and education systems.
• Schools can normalise menstrual health education and ensure facilities support the needs of students.
• Workplaces can introduce inclusive wellness programmes that provide free products, privacy, and flexibility for menstruators.
• Media and influencers can use their platforms to raise awareness and bust myths.
• Individuals can advocate in their communities, donate to menstrual health causes, and start conversations to end stigma.

How to get involved

No action is too small when working together for a #PeriodFriendlyWorld. Here's how you can participate:

• Raise awareness through social media using #PeriodFriendlyWorld and #MHDay2025.
• Donate menstrual products to schools, shelters, and crisis centres.
• Educate boys and men about menstruation to create allies and reduce stigma.
• Host workshops in schools or workplaces to promote menstrual literacy.
• Lobby policymakers to prioritise menstrual health in public policy.
• Promote period-positive conversations in your community.

If you're an employer, now is the time to evaluate your organisation’s role in supporting menstruators. Consider providing free products, ensuring privacy in restrooms, implementing flexible policies, and offering training to normalise menstruation in the workplace.

Conclusion

Menstrual Hygiene Day 2025 is a reminder that we are not just advocating for better hygiene - we are fighting for equality, empowerment, and inclusion. Together, we can break the silence that surrounds periods and build systems that support every person who menstruates, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Let’s commit to action. Let’s stand together. Let’s create a world where menstruation is not a burden but a recognised part of health and humanity.

The role of organisations in promoting menstrual health

At The Mandatory Training Group, we believe that health and dignity in the workplace are non-negotiable. That’s why we integrate inclusive training, equality policies, and compliance solutions that empower organisations to support menstrual health and wellbeing.

ComplyPlus™, our innovative platform, provides a centralised platform for implementing and tracking inclusive health, safety, and wellbeing policies, including those that address menstrual equity in the workplace. From ensuring access to hygiene products to embedding menstrual health in staff wellbeing programmes, ComplyPlus™ helps organisations lead by example.