THEMES
Opportunities and hopes for tomorrow’s world, in no particular order
STIGMA
Menstruation will be universally perceived not as dirty, shameful, or wrong—but as a natural, healthy, and biological process. There will be no more tampon-hiding; whispering about “Aunt Flow”; shaming people for leaking; exiling bleeders to outdoor huts; or prohibiting people from going to the temple, entering the kitchen, or touching the pickle while bleeding. Instead, families and communities will feel comfortable discussing and asking questions about periods, and proactively support those who are menstruating.
EDUCATION
From a young age, everyone will benefit from mandatory comprehensive SRH (sexual and reproductive health) education surrounding menstruation. Information will be delivered through a variety of formats, such as mobile applications, comic books, games, VR simulations, magazines, videos, and podcasts. Periods will be regularly discussed by those who do and do not menstruate—from the family dinner table to the classroom and conference stage—as well as represented in mass media.
AFFORDABILITY
Everyone will be able to afford high-quality, safe, and hygienic supplies of their choosing. Free period products will be available in shared spaces such as schools, shelters, and workplaces through a “take what you need” honor code. Quality subsidized (or free) supplies will be available to under-resourced communities. Suffice to say, in all countries, the tampon tax will be a remnant of the past.
CHOICE
Everyone will have the freedom, flexibility, comfort, and resources to choose which period product(s) might be personally right for them, from a diverse range of options (such as tampons, single-use and washable pads, period underwear, cups, and discs). People will also be able to choose whether or not they want to have a period, such as through opting into affordable, readily accessible, and de-stigmatized hormonal treatments.
ACCESSIBILITY
Everyone—including people of all ages, socio-economic statuses, and abilities—will be able to access the period supplies they need for themselves or for others, such as through receiving them for free in shelters or prisons; physically visiting nearby stores or centers; ordering online; or subscribing to a delivery service. Everyone will also have the resources to track their cycle and access the support they need from trusted healthcare providers.
SANITATION
Everyone will have access to adequate WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene) facilities to safely, comfortably, and hygienically take care of their period. Bathrooms will be sanitary, private spaces with locking doors, light, soap, towels, a clean water source (free of contaminants and readily available), and a safe disposal site. Facilities will be within reasonable walking distance and safe to travel to and from.
SUSTAINABILITY
All period supplies and packaging will be highly sustainable in support of a circular economy. In lieu of single-use plastic, products will leverage biodegradable and/or reusable, long-lasting materials, similarly to reusable tampon applicators.
INCLUSIVITY
Across brands, advertisements, TV, film, and music, the language surrounding periods will be inclusive of anyone and everyone who menstruates—including transgender, nonbinary and intersex people—as well as invite those who do not bleed to be an integral part of the conversation.