Period Stigma PSA
Period Stigma PSA
Embedded Files
This is a PSA we created to show the effects of period stigma and period poverty in our communities, and the impacts it can have on education.
StampOn Period Stigma - Kate and Grace.mp4Period Stigma - Grace Burgett and Kate Queeney.pdfPeriod Stigma
Period Stigma
Here is a presentation that lays out the origins of period stigma and its effects on the community. The information is also laid out below:
What is Period Stigma?
What is Period Stigma?
According to the National Institutes of Health, period stigma is "the negative perception of menstruation and those who menstruate, characterizing the menstruating body as abnormal and abject."
This means, there is an overall feeling of discomfort or embarrassment when talking about or mentioning periods. Periods are then seen as something unnatural or out of the ordinary, because they cannot be talked about normally or openly.
When did Period Stigma begin?
When did Period Stigma begin?
Period Stigma has existed since the beginning of time
People would create false assumptions about periods and people who menstruate:
Women were thought to have supernatural powers
Men thought women could control the cycles of the moon, seasons, tides, and even the darkness at night
Many men believed menstrual blood was dangerous
Believed it would threaten their "manliness"
In many religions:
Periods and people who have periods were thought of as unclean or impure
How has Period Stigma changed?
How has Period Stigma changed?
Period stigma still exists today:
In the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries:
Periods were seen as a "hygienic crisis"
Period product marketing focused on keeping periods a secret
Advertisers tried to make people embarrassed about their periods to get them to buy their products
They sold the secrecy of their products
Periods were seen as more of a problem than a natural bodily function
Contributors to Period Stigma:
Contributors to Period Stigma:
Lack of education:
A lack of understanding what a period is can lead to false beliefs about periods
Calling periods by other names:
Examples:
Aunt Flo
Shark Week
That time of the month
Addressing periods by other names causes it to be considered a "taboo" topic
Can lead people to feel shame about their periods, because they feel they can't call them what they are, or talk about them openly
Lack of access to period products:
Causes people to have more stress about their periods
Some people do not have the necessary products to simply manage their periods
Contributes to shame and embarrassment
Effects on the Community:
Effects on the Community:
Period stigma causes anxiety and self-consciousness for people who have periods
It is harder for people to feel comfortable talking about periods
Mental health can decline
Bullying
People can be bullied at school and other places for having a period
People are shamed for having periods, even though they are completely natural and healthy
This can negatively impact school performance
People who menstruate can lose out on job opportunities because of negative and untrue assumptions about periods
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