Menstrual equity has been a prevalent topic that is kept behind closed doors for centuries, even though it requires more attention and recognition in our society. Menstrual equity can be referred to as the idea that every menstruator should have access to safe, affordable and stigma-free menstrual products, facilities and education about menstrual health and hygiene. Period poverty is a kind of poverty that is least talked about, but it is also the kind of poverty that affects menstruators all around the world. It may seem like I am heavily trying to focus on the term “menstruator”, because this is a neutral and impartial term that we all must try to use. Menstruation should not be associated with certain genders only as this biological phenomenon is experienced by individuals belonging to diverse gender identities. The most crucial step in addressing and managing menstrual equity is to truly understand that ‘anyone’ can be a menstrual health advocate. An individual does not have to be a menstruator in order to empower menstrual equity around us. I come from a developing country, Bangladesh, where only 15% of the menstruating population has the privilege to afford proper period products- and this is the reality of many other regions around the world as well. The contest against period poverty is not only to facilitate accessible period products for those that are not able to afford them, but also the urgent need to challenge the prevalent taboos and stigmas too. We must break free from the barriers and start raising our voices about a kind of poverty that is limiting millions of people from reaching their true potential. It is high time there should be open dialogue, normalized conversation and awareness about menstrual equity. There have been times when many of us had to change our plans, such as missing classes because we started to menstruate and did not have products that could help us manage the unforeseen situation on the spot. As a result, George Mason University addressed the essence of establishing facilities and dispensers that give instant and free access to period products all around the campus. Menstrual equity is a pressing issue that needs our attention and action, because having access to period products is a basic human right for menstruators. Menstrual equity can be achieved when we all come together to break barriers and empower individuals around us.
Written by Naila Ahsan, Undersecretary for International Student Relations and Affairs