Period Education in Schools: Empowering the Next Generation of Girls
Imagine a world where every girl feels confident, informed, and empowered as she navigates one of the most natural and significant milestones of her life—her first period. Unfortunately, this vision remains far from reality. Period education in schools is often neglected, even though it’s just as crucial as sex education. The gap in comprehensive menstruation education leaves many girls unprepared, uncertain, and anxious about a critical aspect of their health and development.
For most girls, menstruation begins during the early years of secondary school, but it can start even earlier, sometimes in primary school. This early onset can be a daunting experience, especially when it happens unexpectedly and without proper preparation. I remember vividly my own experience—alone in a school bathroom, frantically calling my mum from a cubicle, unsure of what to do. The school receptionist handed me a pad that felt more like a bulky nappy from the 80s, which barely fit in my tights. I was overwhelmed and embarrassed, and felt a deep sense of being completely unprepared for something so important.
This story is all too common. Many girls turn to their mothers for guidance, but not everyone has a trusted female figure they can comfortably approach. Societal stigma around menstruation still lingers, fostering a sense of shame that makes these conversations difficult. I recall feeling incredibly uneasy the first time I had to ask my dad, who was divorced from my mum, to buy me tampons. Thankfully, he responded with compassion and understanding, but I know not every girl is so fortunate. Some men might shy away from these discussions, either because they feel it’s not their place or due to cultural norms that keep menstruation shrouded in silence.
This is why period education in schools is not just important—it’s essential. Education should not be confined to the home; schools must actively contribute to normalising menstruation and providing accurate, comprehensive information. Without this support, girls are left to navigate a complex and often confusing experience alone, leading to unnecessary stress, isolation, and misinformation.
Moreover, menstruation is far from a uniform experience. According to the National Institutes of Health, 14-25% of women experience menstrual irregularities, including conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and Endometriosis. These conditions can profoundly impact a girl's life, yet many remain unaware that their symptoms are abnormal, simply because they lack the knowledge to recognise them.
By educating students about the diverse range of menstrual experiences and conditions, we can equip girls with the knowledge to understand their bodies, identify potential health issues, and seek the help they need. This education is not just about providing information—it’s about empowering girls to take control of their health, to feel confident and supported, and to break down the stigma that still surrounds menstruation.
