WHEN and Always join forces to break the stigma around period

WHEN (formerly Women On Top), in partnership with Always, a Procter & Gamble brand, presents the new #StopPeriodShaming guide, an initiative that aims to combat menstrual stigma.

The guide, which is now open and available on the WHEN website, provides scientifically based information and debunks widespread myths about the period, with the aim of offering young women, parents and teachers practical tools for the empowerment of women and girls, and the fight against stigma.

Menstruation remains one of the most widespread social taboos, affecting the self-confidence and everyday life of millions of women. The guide #StopPeriodShaming was created with the aim of shaping a new reality, in which menstruation is treated as a normal biological process and not as a source of shame.

Its launch is just the beginning of a series of actions implemented by WHEN as part of the #StopPeriodShaming campaign, with the support of Always:

• Interactive Quiz “Myths and Truths about the Period” – An educational tool that encourages information and activation, through interactive questions that help us distinguish the truth from misinformation about the period.
• #StopPeriodShaming Guide – A training manual for parents, educators and individuals interested in gender equality, with practical tools to empower women and girls and combat stigma.
• #StopPeriodShaming workshops for teachers – Two specially designed workshops for secondary school teachers, which will equip them with the appropriate tools to combat period shaming in school classrooms.
• Free period products at the WHEN Hub – In a gesture of solidarity and practical support, the WHEN Hub, with the support of Always, will make free period products available at its premises, ensuring that no person faces exclusion due to lack of access to basic hygiene items.

“Menstruation should not be a source of shame, but an occasion for knowledge, acceptance and empowerment. With this guide and our overall actions, we want to eliminate prejudice and create a culture without stigma, where every person can talk openly about their period without fear or embarrassment”, said WHEN co-founder Stella Kasdagli.

The #StopPeriodShaming guide is available online and can be used by individuals, teachers, parents and organisations wishing to contribute to the creation of a more inclusive society.

Let’s put an end to the stigma of the period. Because change starts with knowledge!