Considering pretty much half the world’s population gets periods, it’s downright weird we don’t talk about them more. But – periods are a favourite topic of conversation for TABOO Co-Founder and 2021 Young Australian of the Year, Isobel Marshall – and, she wants them to become one of yours too.
Why?
Well, besides it being strange we leave this topic (about a very normal bodily function!) untouched, our collective lack of period chat means menstruation is left out of public discourse – and this plays a huge role in perpetuating societal gender inequalities.
“When a topic isn’t discussed, people can’t voice their concerns or the issues that they’re facing and people in positions of power or decision-makers aren’t able to factor those issues into solution making,” says Isobel on our podcast, Uninterrupted by Women’s Health Australia.
The resulting lack of “policy infrastructure” around menstruation creates big disadvantages “for people who bleed,” explains Isobel.
When “someone is unable to afford or access the products or services they need to safely, hygienically manage their period with dignity,” we end up with ‘period poverty,’ says Isobel.
Period poverty prevents women and girls from having equal access to education, work, and other opportunities. This blockage to receiving an education and bettering one’s work prospects can have a devastating knock-on effect.
“Thirty per cent of girls in developing countries drop out of school as soon as they get their periods. That has such a perpetuating effect on the poverty cycle and also gender inequality,” says Isobel.
“If someone isn’t financially independent, often the next security blanket is getting married very young. In a lot of cultures, that translates to child brides, child mothers, and again that continuation of the poverty cycle and the disempowerment of women in general,” Isobel continues.
Even here in Australia – a generally financially secure country – many young women and girls must take time off work, school, and social or community activities while menstruating.
“This [has a] huge cumulative effect and over time will affect someone’s education, their employability and access to financial support [as well as] their general enjoyment and quality of life,” says Isobel.
Listen to Isobel Marshall on our podcast Uninterrupted by Women’s Health Australia on Apple and Spotify. Post continues below.
So how do we start talking about periods more?
Feeling a little nervous about starting “that conversation”? Isobel has some advice:
“Talk about the role that periods play in the poverty cycle, but also gender inequality. Just opening up those conversations can lead to really interesting discussions and also [help] normalise these issues and periods in general.”
“We need to start talking about [periods] so that we can actually create sustainable and meaningful solutions,” says Isobel.
So, go forth and get chatting about menstruation matters. Whether you own a uterus or not, it’s everyone’s responsibility to talk about periods more.
Main image credit: Supplied.
