Period Positivity: A Journey to Better Health and Well-being
Reproductive health of a woman is very important. If a
woman's reproductive health is at risk, which also involves her menstrual
health, it means that your overall health is at risk. It is not easy to
maintain good menstrual health with the stigma surrounding the periods over the
years.
Women shy away or sometimes are not allowed to talk about
periods. For years women have been restricted from talking about periods, even
at their homes. Because period is the subject looked at as a taboo. Periods, or
menstruation whatever you call it, is a fundamental aspect of every woman. It has been silenced, stigmatized, and
put at shame over the years, despite it being a natural biological process.
But with the changing times, things are changing too. People
are taking period positivity seriously and taking a stand for their menstrual
as well as reproductive health. Medical abortion is a great aspect of helping women with reproductive rights. With
period positivity on the rise, let’s look at how people are approaching it.
What Does It Mean To Be Period Positive?
You are period positive when you:
- Are gender-inclusive
- Openly talk about periods and share your experiences
- Able to fight for the reproductive rights of women through
period positivity.
Period Positivity Can Be Achieved By:
Encouraging period positivity:
For a long time, discussions about menstruation were done in
hushed tones, whispering conversations, or just completely avoided. The stigma
revolving around menstruation can cause ignorance, shame, and a lack of
awareness about a natural biological process.
To break the stigma we need an open and honest interaction.
Period positivity promotes open discussion about menstruation, accepting it as
a natural and healthy part of life. By banishing the stigma periods, we can
enable people to appreciate their bodies and advocate for their reproductive
health.
Taking on the Differences:
Period positivity acknowledges that menstrual experiences
differ greatly from person to person. Not all menstruators are female, and not
all women menstruate. Transgender guys, non-binary folks, and genderqueer
people may all experience menstruation.
It is essential to accept diversity and foster positive
environments where everyone feels seen and supported. Recognizing and valuing
different period experiences contributes to a more accessible and understanding
society.
Empowerment and Education:
It is important to have knowledge of a woman’s reproductive
health. Period positivity advocates for a proper menstrual education that goes
beyond basic biology to highlight topics like menstrual hygiene, menstrual
disorders, and the societal impact of menstruation.
When individuals get familiar with their bodies and
menstrual cycles, they can make the right decisions about their health and
well-being. It also involves education on women’s reproductive health,
especially a woman seeking medical abortion. Education empowers people to
advocate for their needs, seek appropriate medical care, and oppose the
stereotypes surrounding periods.
Access to Period Resources:
Period poverty is a cruel reality for millions of
individuals around the world who cannot afford period supplies, the basic
necessities. Period positivity put forth solutions to this injustice, like
offering free or discounted period supplies in schools, offices, and community
organizations.
Also, supporting local groups and campaigns that tackle
period poverty ensures that everyone gets access to the menstrual supplies they
require to manage their periods with dignity and without shame.
Raising Awareness:
Period positivity is to enable people to advocate for
themselves and others. Whether it is to overcome unfair regulations, promote
menstrual equality, or simply speak openly about periods, every action helps to
create a more period-positive environment.
By highlighting different opinions and experiences, we can
foster a community in which the period is celebrated rather than stigmatized—a
society where everyone, regardless of menstrual status, can enjoy better health
and well-being.
How to Promote Period Positivity?
These are the ways you can promote period positivity:
Awareness in schools: Adequate period education is essential
for promoting period positivity. It provides young people with the information
and understanding they need to manage their menstruation.
Awareness through media: The media has a major role in
changing society's perceptions. Period positivity focuses on showing periods in
a realistic and positive light. We can normalize periods by showing them
without shame or embarrassment in movies, TV shows, and commercials.
Period supplies: Period poverty, or the inability to
purchase period supplies, is a major obstacle to period positivity. Efforts
must be taken to ensure that all people have access to affordable or
free-period supplies, regardless of socioeconomic position.
Promote menstrual hygiene: Menstrual hygiene is important
for an individual's health and well-being. Period positivity offers education
and resources to promote safe and clean menstrual habits.
Open discussions: It is important to promote open debate
about periods and create a safe atmosphere for individuals to share their
stories. Online networks, support groups, and initiatives that unite people
with similar experiences can offer comfort, wisdom, and empowerment.
Empower Your Period Journey
Gain awareness: Gain complete knowledge of your menstrual
health and understand the phases of your menstrual cycle and the impact they have
on your reproductive health.
Track your period cycle: To gain a complete understanding of
your monthly period patterns, use apps, and charts, or simply pay attention to
the signs your body gives you.
Talk openly: Share your period stories with friends, family,
and medical experts to normalize discussions on menstruation and break down
taboos.
Self-care: Pay attention to what your body needs as you go
through each phase of menstruation. Relaxation, a healthy diet, and fun
activities are necessary.
Get help: Join online support groups and seminars to promote
period positivity, and build a supportive network, and share your experiences.
Conclusion
Period positivity is a campaign started to change what is
said about women's menstrual health. It promotes education, awareness, and
acceptance of menstruation. Let's change the cultural norms, empower women, and
create an environment where you can openly discuss periods.
Once you embrace period positivity, you embrace
self-acceptance, by breaking through gender differences and look forward to a
society where menstruation is celebrated and a subject more talked about.
Together we can create an environment where menstruation is no longer
considered a stigma but is looked at as an aspect of empowerment and pride.