Yet, the shame that surrounds them is still a major issue in the UK with only 38% of society admitting to talking openly about the topic1.
Even when periods are talked about, they are often trivialised or dismissed. Recent research reveals that 2 out of 5 young people have been shamed or teased because of their period2. And 68% of young people have been made to feel dirty, gross, or ashamed because of somebody else's negative reaction to their period3.
As a result, young people are shying away from moments that matter and that help to build their confidence. A staggering 85% of young people have tried to hide the fact they're on their period from those around them3. And 1 in 5 avoid after school activities, going to the gym, or visiting their friend's houses when they're on their period4.
Periods happen but period shaming shouldn't.
Get educated!
Call a period, a period.
Try not to hide periods away.
Avoid making period jokes.
Watch your body language.
Farah Raja, digital content creator
Sam Latif, P&G's accessibility leader
Farah Raja, digital content creator