In the News 29.04.19

One in five girls and young women are teased or bullied about their periods

• Based on a survey of 1,000 females (14 – 21 years old), this study was published by Plan International UK to coincide with the women and equalities minister, Penny Mordaunt, announcing the charity as co-chair of the government’s period poverty taskforce.
• Plan International UK’s chief executive, Tanya Barron, said girls were “facing unacceptable stigma and shame linked to their periods. Not only is this damaging girls’ confidence and self-esteem, it’s also having an often-overlooked impact on their education. Girls tell us they are missing out on school because of their period and struggling to catch up on schoolwork as a result. We can’t allow this to continue.”
• This story has appeared in the media including Metro, The Guardian and The Independent.

Period Poverty Taskforce – Minister announces next steps on Menstrual Hygiene Day

• Plan International UK, Procter and Gamble, and the Government Equalities Office (GEO) will work together with charities and businesses across a range of sectors to develop a comprehensive and sustainable response to period poverty in the UK.
• Minister announces next steps on Menstrual Hygiene Day
• This news is also covered in The Independent

 Opinion piece: ‘Access to menstrual health and hygiene is a right. Period.’

• The piece looks at stigma, taboos and period poverty.
• Access to menstrual health and hygiene is a right. Period.

More support is needed around menstruation in the workplace – article in The HR Director

• A new survey of 2,000 menstruators by CIPD training specialist DPG has revealed a significant period stigma in UK workplaces.
• Almost half of workers who experience periods (48 percent) say there is a noticeable stigma around the issue at the company they work for.
• Support needed around menstruation in the workplace