EMPOWERING WOMEN: HOW PERIOD UNDERWEAR HELPS BREAK STIGMAS

June 20, 2023

Menstruation, a biological necessity for a woman’s healthy reproductive system, has been a stigma & taboo subject for centuries, leading to women using unsanitary menstrual products or even leading to girls missing or dropping out of school, women missing work, and a shroud of stigma continually surrounds periods.

We have all come up with an alternative name for our periods, Aunt flow, the crimson wave, time of the month, to name only a few, we’ve all mutedly whispered ‘period’ during a conversation with a close friend, or quietly asked a close co-worker if they have a tampon as your period arrived early. We have all felt the stigma and taboo of periods, let alone the taboo of talking about them.

And common period protection doesn’t really help, it was only recently that commercials showed red liquid being absorbed, instead of blue, tampons and pads are packaged in flowery blue, white and yellow packaging to hide the reality of periods.

So, with the outburst of reusable period protection hitting the market, are we finally seeing those stigmas and taboos break down? Now more than ever we are talking about periods exactly as they are, normal, natural bodily functions, just like sweating or urinating!

HOW COMMON PERIOD PRODUCTS FUEL THE STIGMAS

When it comes to period products, there is an assumption that menstruating inevitably means using disposable, single-use pads and tampons Most women use around 11,000 disposable menstrual products in their lifetime. Such products date from the 1920s and used to be made of cotton, but over the past 40 years have grown to contain around 90% plastic as well as toxic chemicals.

Until recently, menstruation was almost entirely hidden from society and has been a source of shame for many who menstruate, including women, girls, transgender, intersex, and non-binary people.

Although menstruation is a natural process, it has been framed as unclean and sometimes even as dangerous. This continues to persist in the current wording surrounding period products, such as ‘sanitary’ and ‘hygienic’, encouraging the thoughts that periods are unsanitary and unhygienic.

Such terminology frames menstruation as a problem to be fixed, whilst also emphasising the notions of single-use disposability as the cleanly option. When you are ashamed of something and have been told it is ‘wrong’, you want to get rid of it as quickly as possible.

Many of us grow up unaware that there are more sustainable ways to manage menstrual bleeding. This lack of awareness is linked to limited menstrual education and misinformation about how to correctly dispose of single-use products. And the multinational corporations that are benefiting from the on-going single-use disposable protection are still dominating the market and are continuing to use forms of marketing that emphasise ‘discreet’ protection and hidden periods, which continually encourages the stigma and shame around menstruation.

HOW IS PERIOD UNDERWEAR EMPOWERING WOMEN?

Period underwear is helping to lead the revolution on period stigmas in many ways, however the most obvious one is the universal conversation that’s going on.

Period underwear is reducing Stigma and Empowering Conversations:

Period underwear plays a role in normalizing conversations about menstruation. By openly discussing and promoting period underwear, women can help break down the stigma associated with menstruation. These discussions encourage awareness, education, and inclusivity, empowering women to advocate for their menstrual health and rights. By challenging societal taboos and encouraging open conversations, women can collectively create a more supportive and understanding environment.

Enhanced Comfort and Convenience:

Rosaseven Period underwear is designed with special built-in absorbent layers that can replace traditional menstrual products like pads or tampons. They are made from natural, breathable fabrics and fibres, and can hold up to 4 x the equivalent of a regular tampon. This comfort and convenience allows women to move freely and engage in various activities and go about their day without worrying about leaks or discomfort. By providing a reliable and comfortable alternative, period underwear empowers women to take control of their menstrual cycle and choose what works best for their bodies and lifestyles.

Body Positivity and Self-Acceptance:

Period underwear comes in a variety of sizes, shapes, and styles, catering to the diverse body types and preferences of women. By offering inclusive options, period underwear promotes body positivity and self-acceptance, as well as putting the comfort and priority of the female body first. Instead of being sweaty, and unconformable in pads or having to use uncomfortable intravaginal protection, period underwear encourages women to embrace their bodies during menstruation and feel confident and comfortable in their own skin, instead of hiding their periods from the world and being ashamed of their menstrual cycles and their period protection. This empowerment can contribute to breaking down societal taboos and stereotypes surrounding menstruation and women's bodies.

Sustainable and Environmentally Friendly:

Disposable menstrual products like pads and tampons contribute to significant waste and environmental pollution. In contrast, Rosaseven period underwear is made from natural eco-friendly fabrics, and is reusable and reduces the need for disposable items. By using period underwear, women can actively participate in sustainable practices and minimize their environmental footprint. This empowers women to make eco-conscious choices and contribute to a healthier planet, which, in-turn continually fuels the conversation of periods and period underwear in a positive, open and natural environment.

Rosaseven period underwear is a natural, safe, eco-friendly period lingerie brand, which makes menstruators feel amazing and empowered on their periods. You can look at the full Rosaseven Period Lingerie range here.