Menstrual Awareness Activism
Menstruation, getting sick, stained, colored, dirty, coming to an aunt…
Why do you think the normal cycle of the woman's body, despite being one of her biological functions, might have been seen as something that societies made extraordinary efforts for centuries, instead of being expressed openly, that it had to be endured as a punishment assigned to women, and should not be talked about publicly or, on the contrary, something that should be hidden?
Let's answer for you; TABULAR !
Another world is possible!
Because when we make a historical journey to the past, we see that; outside these societies; There are also cultures where menstruation is not considered "pollution", "disease" or a source of embarrassment, and calendars are shaped by the menstrual cycles of time. Even this is the most concrete indication that the subject is entirely the fiction of society and culture.
Today, menstrual awareness activists challenge all settled negative perceptions by transforming this natural state, which has been a taboo from past to present, into a social movement, and insist that women have the support they need to live a healthy and happy life throughout their cycles and lives. is doing.
We have compiled for you the activists who contribute to this movement around the world, who try to raise awareness about the taboos created by social norms, the problems of access to hygienic products caused by menstrual poverty and, accordingly, the health problems experienced by women, girls and everyone else who has menstruation.
Rupee Kaur
Canadian Poet
In 2015, Kaur posted a photo on Instagram of her lying in bed in sweatpants stained with menstrual blood. The app deleted the photo, which prompted Kaur to take to Facebook to write an influential article about the incident. “While your pages are filled with countless photos/accounts of objectified, pornographic, and dehumanized women (many of whom are underage), I will not apologize for not feeding the ego and pride of the misogynistic society that causes trouble when I tuck my body into their underwear and bleed a little.” he wrote.
The post served as a gateway to the society's stigma about menstruation. Instagram later apologized in an email for removing the post from their app and later restored the image.
İlayda Eskitaşçıoğlu & Bahar Aldanmaz
Two Academician Friends, Founders of the We Need to Talk Association
The two work to solve the problems of accessing hygienic products for women and girls living in rural and disadvantaged areas of Turkey . The association established in 2016; it has reached tens of thousands of women and children from Hakkari to Sivas, from Adana to Ankara.
Candice Chirwa
Menstrual activist, Speaker and Academician
A young South African working to end menstrual poverty. Declaring herself as the “Minister of Menstruation” on social media, Chirwa is working on bringing menstruation training not only to young women but also to men.
Diipa Büller-Khosla
Indian Influencer
In India, which is one of the countries with the lowest awareness of menstruation, it has carried out many campaigns including the #RedDotChallenge in cooperation with UNICEF to increase this awareness and continues to work.
Jen Lewis
Activist, Menstrual Designer
She draws attention to menstrual activism with her designs that reveal the beauty in blood. Together with her husband, photographer Rob Lewis, Lewis creates works of art using her menstrual blood. The "Beauty in Blood" project began when Lewis was inspired by blood smearing his fingers while using menstrual cups.
Last word
Their names and contributions to us do not end by counting, but in summary; Everyone who has a problem with the world and acts with the principle of transforming this problem into constructive activism is actually our source of inspiration, we will continue to share them and more with you from time to time.
Until then, if you want to start from somewhere to increase menstrual awareness; You can introduce yourself and those around you to Kiklou menstrual panties, produced from waste-free, environmentally friendly materials and certified organic cotton.
