Houston, We Have a Stigma: Breaking Down Barriers of Period Shame

Liberty admin Ann
May 19
3 min read

Updated: 2 days ago

Let’s take a quick trip back to the 1980s — neon leg warmers, boomboxes, and big dreams of space. It was the golden age of shoulder pads and space shuttles. In the midst of this cultural phenomenon, Dr. Sally Ride became the first American woman to head into space.

But before her historic liftoff? A NASA engineer genuinely asked her if she’d need 100 tampons for a 6-day mission. (Spoiler: she didn’t need that many. And yes, she let him down gently with a “That’s not quite necessary, thanks.”)

That moment has become a punchline over the years. However, it speaks volumes. Because even in a room full of literal rocket scientists, period knowledge was... lacking.

And that right there? That’s the problem.

Menstruation is Natural. The Stigma? Not So Much.

Let’s be real: about half the global population menstruates. Yet something so normal is still whispered about, misunderstood, and surrounded by too much shame.

This stigma has serious consequences. It creates real barriers for people around the world:

Barriers to education: Many students skip school due to a lack of pads or privacy.
Barriers to healthcare: Myths and taboos prevent people from seeking necessary help.
Barriers to dignity: Periods are often seen as “unclean” or something to hide.

It’s 2025. No one should be left behind because of their period.

So Let’s Talk About It.

Have you ever missed school or work because you didn’t have what you needed? It’s frustrating, isn’t it?

Has a lack of support — or an outdated cultural belief — ever made you feel ashamed, embarrassed, or even unsafe?

Have you seen someone else face discrimination or exclusion because of menstruation? Or maybe you’ve witnessed progress, like a school finally offering free period products or a workplace becoming more inclusive for menstruating employees?

We want to hear it. All of it. Your stories matter.

Talking about menstruation openly isn’t “TMI.” It’s necessary. Menstrual health isn’t just about pads and products. It’s about equity, empowerment, and basic human rights.

Your Story Matters

Every voice helps shift the narrative. Every experience shared can pressure schools, workplaces, and governments to step up.

This isn’t a “women’s issue.” It’s a human issue. It affects families, communities, and economies — all of us.

Let’s start a conversation. Let’s keep listening. Let’s push for real change. Together, we can break the stigma surrounding menstruation.

Actions We Can Take

1. Education and Awareness

Initiatives aimed at educating young people on menstrual health can make a tremendous difference. Schools should include comprehensive sexual health education that covers menstruation without shame or stigma.

2. Advocacy

Join or support organizations advocating for menstrual equity. Your voice can help push for policies that ensure everyone has access to menstrual products.

3. Conversation

Talk openly about menstruation. Share your experiences and invite others to share theirs. Normalize the conversation to create a more supportive environment.