MENSY is a two-year collaborative project, funded by ERASMUS+, aimed at empowering young people and youth leaders to educate young people about menstruation and sustainability.
Period education, including the youth led education promoted by MENSY, will help to tackle menstrual equity, break the stigma surrounding menstruation, and promote sustainable menstrual practices.
By combining environmental, gender, and economic justice, MENSY aims to foster a more equitable and sustainable approach to menstrual health across Europe.
Earlier in 2024 we conducted a survey, examining young people’s attitudes towards menstruation, education, and period products. Read the survey results.
Key Findings
The survey revealed a diverse demographic of participants, with 90% identifying as female and 86% as women. The age range of respondents was between 20 and 30 years old, with the largest group (40%) aged 25-30. A significant portion of the participants, 60%, held a university degree. The survey included individuals from Portugal (34%), Croatia (24%), Spain (12%), Hungary (6%), the UK (5%), Ireland (5%), the Netherlands (4%), and Ukraine (2%).
When it comes to menstrual product usage, the survey highlighted a mix of preferences. Reusable products such as menstrual cups (32%), menstrual underwear (22%), and reusable pads (17%) were popular among the respondents. However, disposable products like pads (69%) and tampons (36%) remained widely used. Environmental concerns were a significant factor, with 79% of participants expressing worry about the impact of disposable products.
Age and education played crucial roles in influencing product choices. Older participants and those with higher levels of education or who attended university were more inclined to use reusable products. However, it is not clear if the additional education itself or the university environment influences product choice. While social media, word of mouth, and retailers emerged as key sources of information about these products. Despite the growing interest in reusable products, several barriers were identified. Many respondents lacked knowledge about how to use reusable products, and while initial costs were not a major barrier in this survey, they are often cited in other studies.
Helen Lynn, Environmenstrual Campaign Manager and health adviser at Wen said
“While it came as no surprise the lack of education played a big role in the choice of period products especially among young girls and those just starting to menstruate. The influence of attending a university and being older was a surprise. Whether this was down to greater confidence gained in relation to period management, or for many the first time away from home or the meeting of minds and general atmosphere of university life remains to be seen. Women, girls and those who menstruate shouldn’t have to wait until they are in their 20’s or attending higher education to try safer, more sustainable and healthier period products like reusables. Education should begin prior to the first period, in school and with teachers who support and believe in sustainable period products and support the human right to healthy menstruation”.
Environmental and health concerns were prominent among the respondents. Seventy-five percent expressed a desire to reduce their use of disposable products, and 74% considered health impacts when choosing menstrual products. The survey also underscored the importance of education and awareness. A lack of formal education on menstruation in schools influenced product choices, with many respondents relying on advice from parents, especially mothers. This perpetuates the use of disposable products, maintaining the status quo.
Personal Stories
Maria from Portugal shared her experience, stating, “Switching to a menstrual cup was a game-changer for me. Not only do I feel better about reducing waste, but I also save money in the long run. It took some getting used to, but now I can’t imagine going back to disposables.”
Ana from Croatia echoed similar sentiments, “I started using reusable pads after learning about the environmental impact of disposables. It feels good to know I’m making a positive change, and they’re much more comfortable than I expected.”
Elena from Spain highlighted the influence of peers, “My mother always used disposable products, so that’s what I started with. But after a friend introduced me to menstrual underwear, I made the switch. It’s been a great decision for both comfort and sustainability.”
Menstrual Equity
While initial costs were not a major barrier in this survey, they are often cited in other studies. Menstrual poverty remains a critical issue worldwide. Over 500 million women and girls, nearly 25% of all menstruators, experience period poverty1. Globally, at least 1 in 10 women and girls in rural areas across 12 countries did not have a private place to wash and change during their last period2. This lack of access to menstrual products and facilities significantly impacts their education, work, and overall health.
Feminist Perspective
Menstrual health is inherently a feminist issue because it intersects with gender equality, social justice and the environment. The stigma and taboos surrounding menstruation perpetuate gender discrimination and limit opportunities for women and girls. Lack of access to menstrual products and education can lead to missed school days, reduced participation in public life, and increased health risks. Addressing menstrual health is crucial for achieving gender equality and empowering women and girls to fully participate in society.
Conclusion
The survey highlights the need for comprehensive education on menstruation and sustainable products, starting from a young age. Our Mensy project aims to address these gaps by creating training resources and promoting awareness to combat menstrual poverty and break the taboo surrounding menstruation.
