Dto the inability to call them by their own name, “I have my things”, to the incomprehension of those who suffer from it, from stereotypes such as “they make you nervous”, to 0% VAT: the topic of menstruation, a physiological and perfectly natural process, takes very slow steps towards dismantling the taboos that have always accompanied it. This is precisely why the non-profit organization WeWorld launched a Menstrual justice poster.
Menstrual justice, a manifesto to undermine taboos
Every month, an average of 1.8 billion women menstruate and the discrimination they suffer is enormous, but considering them only harmless prejudices and archaic legacies would be a mistake.
«We want to take the field to talk about the taboos and stereotypes related to menstruation that do not allow people to fully participate in social life. And not only that – explains the organization.
«We want menstrual health to be recognized in the right to health because all the challenges associated with adequate cycle management are part of a larger, systemic problem. Menstruation is not a personal issue, but a human rights and public health issue». The manifesto is made up of 6 points which, according to WeWorld, are fundamental to carry forward to truly achieve menstrual justice in Italy.
Let’s call them by their name
How many times do you hear “I have my things”? The first step to breaking the stigma is to name and talk about menstruation correctly, positive and non-judgmental, as well as peri-menopause and menopause, without using euphemisms. However, we need to make this conversation inclusive: not just those who menstruate, everyone, including men, should talk about it.
The menstrual cycle is not a luxury: 0% VAT
There Tampon Tax, the tax on menstrual products is an injustice which affects all people with a menstrual cycle. WeWorld has long supported the abolition of VAT and free menstrual products, with the #FermaLaTamponTax campaign.
Free menstrual products in all schools and public buildings
Have free and available menstrual products for everyone it is a question of public health and human rights, which allows us to fight menstrual poverty and experience menstruation with dignity. For this reason they should be available in schools, municipal offices, post offices and other public places.
Sexual-affective education in schools
There can be no menstrual justice without correct information and self-awareness and your own body. Comprehensive education on all cognitive, emotional, physical and social aspects of sexual and reproductive health, including menstrual health, is a key preventative intervention. To make informed decisions about your bodies, develop respectful social and sexual relationships and ensure menstrual justice, we start here.
Related pathologies
Your menstrual health says a lot about your overall health, which is why it is important to take care of it and monitor any anomalies. Many people, however, experience disabling pain. For this, it is asked to include premenstrual syndrome and other pathologies related to the menstrual cycle among the essential levels of assistance (LEA), so that their treatment is guaranteed by the National Health Service, as done for endometriosis.
Menstrual leave, the situation in the world
This form of leave gives the menstruating person the opportunity to take holidays or take extra, paid sick days from their job and/or work flexibly. Several countries, such as Spain, Japan, South Korea, have already adopted itshowing how workplaces can recognize and validate the different needs and experiences of people who menstruate.