By Ludovica Incalza
Women around the world consider periods to be a normal part of life, but millions of them—especially those in marginalized and indigenous communities—continue to face systemic barriers and silence. Menstrual justice must focus its voice on marginalized communities as the global period equality movement gains momentum.
People all across the world are impacted by period poverty, which is the lack of access to menstruation products, sanitation, and education. In areas where structural inequality is already a problem, its effects are severe.
The combination of racism, colonialism, and economic neglect has resulted in inadequate education, poor infrastructure, and restricted access to healthcare in many indigenous areas. For example, some First Nations youth in rural Canada had to pay three to five times as much for products as those in urban areas. As an additional illustration, Native and Black girls in the United States are disproportionately impacted by the stigma and silence surrounding menstrual health, which frequently results from both systemic neglect in educational systems and cultural taboos.
Menstruation is seen through the prisms of shame, impurity, or secrecy in many oppressed populations. The campaign against chaaupadi, a custom that is illegal but is nevertheless performed in Nepal and encourages females to isolate themselves during their periods, is being led by activists from Dalit and Indigenous communities. Native teenagers in the United States, such as those who participate in organizations like the Indigenous Teenagers Council, are combining period and environmental activism to promote sustainable menstrual care that respects their bodies and land.
Leading non-profit groups that seek to assist are campaigns and NGOs. supporting community-based organizations, elevating regional educators and healers, and changing the discourse to emphasize solidarity. As menstrual equity gains traction in international politics, Indigenous and vulnerable groups must be neither ignored nor overlooked.
What can we do?
In community centers, shelters, and schools, you can promote access and demand free menstrual products. You may promote menstrual education that is inclusive of all genders and cultures, and educate beyond the binary. Finally, you can join the battle for inclusive period justice by endorsing Indigenous and BIPOC-led period initiatives.
Intersectional equity is necessary; it must be based on respect for all cultures, creating a greater influence in the Period Equality Movement.