Menstrual stigma

Menstrual stigma, also known as period stigma, refers to the negative social and cultural perceptions, beliefs, taboos, and practices surrounding menstruation and those who menstruate. It encompasses the perception of menstruation as impure or shameful, often resulting in secrecy, emotional distress, and even discrimination. The manifestation of menstrual stigma varies across cultures and may have profound effects on mental health, social participation, school attendance, workplace involvement, healthcare access, and opportunities. The stigma impacts people across age, socioeconomic class, and gender, including transgender and nonbinary individuals. Strategies aimed at addressing menstrual stigma typically involve education, awareness, and equity initiatives.

Menstruation, deeply intertwined with intricate cultural beliefs, is often accompanied by taboos, myths, stigmatization, negative emotions, and feelings of shame. The associated beliefs and practices exhibit variations influenced by factors like country, religion, and social status. Cultural norms play a pivotal role in determining whether menstruation is a source of social stigma that is concealed or observable. For instance, in the United States, menstruation is predominantly concealed owing to societal norms of secrecy. In Tanzania, both Christian and Muslim menstruating individuals report experiencing religion-based menstrual restrictions, including being prohibited from prayer during menstruation. Those who menstruate in Sub-Saharan Africa are frequently excluded from social and personal activities, inclusive of religious practices, cooking, sexual intercourse, sleeping in their beds, and even sitting near men. In certain societies like Nepal, the onset of menstruation is commemorated through public rituals, and those undergoing menstruation may be secluded.

Cultures and regions also vary in the knowledge individuals have about menstruation, as well as their access to adequate menstrual hygiene products. For example, roughly 50% of menstruating adolescents in India have no knowledge of menstruation before menarche. According to a 2023 national survey, nearly 25% of teens and approximately one-third of adults in the United States report challenges in accessing affordable period products. Research shows that, among American adolescents, menstrual knowledge and preparedness are disproportionately lowest among low-income and BIPOC populations. Furthermore, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in the U.S., commonly known as food stamps, only covers food items, excluding hygiene products such as shampoo, soap, toothpaste, and menstrual supplies. As of now, there is no federal program in the U.S. that provides assistance for menstrual products.

Some countries, on the other hand, have found success in passing legislation to expand period product access. Scotland, for example, passed the Period Products (Free Provision) Act 2021, which made the country the first in the world to legally mandate free period products for anyone in need.

The notion that menstruation is a cause of impurity and danger has persisted into the contemporary era. According to a survey conducted by the World Health Organization involving women from 10 different countries, certain cultures still view menstruating women as impure, leading to restrictions in their religious or social activities. The WHO survey not only recorded both negative and positive attitudes toward menstruation but also highlighted culturally enforced sanctions (such as being prohibited from cooking) and self-imposed restrictions (such as refraining from washing one's hair).

People often use euphemisms like "time of the month," "Aunt Flow," and "on the rag" to refer to menstruation, highlighting the discomfort and stigma associated with it. This stigma is a global phenomenon, with menstruation often seen as something impure that should be kept private. Many individuals, from a young age, are taught that menstruation is something to be concealed or hidden for women to lead their everyday lives. The media plays a role in perpetuating this stigma through advertisements that stress secrecy, avoidance of embarrassment, and freshness. They also use euphemistic images and colors (like blue instead of red) to describe menstruation. Menstrual stigma can be passed on through educational materials, communication (or lack thereof), and the language used to discuss it (e.g., euphemisms).

Scholar Kate McHugh introduces the term "menstrual moaning" to describe how women often talk about menstruation in negative terms, focusing on pain, discomfort, or moodiness. This negative talk surrounding menstruation can further reinforce menstrual shame and cultural beliefs that portray women's bodies as defective or impure.

Feminists and various activists have countered negative depictions of menstruation by advocating for positive perspectives. They do so primarily through educational and media campaigns, consciousness-raising efforts, and by challenging conventional representations of menstruation. These actions aim to promote more affirming views of menstruation within various institutions like education, healthcare, families, and media. While feminist scholars and activists have endeavored to encourage the celebration of menarche and menstruation, their positive messages may be eclipsed or obscured by the prevailing stigmatizing narratives.