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It is a common misconception that period stigma is only an issue in developing countries. However, people with periods in Canada face the effects of period stigma every day. If you don't want to take our word for it check out these statistics…
In Canada, people still believe periods are best kept private. Plan Canada reports that more people in Canada are comfortable talking about sex and politics than periods.
Not discussing periods creates period stigma. Talking about periods can indeed be uncomfortable. But if we can't speak openly about periods and menstruation we perpetuate the idea that having a period is embarrassing and shameful.
“I’m sick of hearing stories about boys laughing at girls for a period stain, or even learning about menstruation. What’s funny about that? You came from someone who menstruates. It’s a sacrament, it should be a sacrament in our society.”-Mary Lou Ballweg, Director of the Endometriosis Association
Additionally, Canadians still believe many misconceptions about menstruation. Environics research shows that almost half of Canadians agree that periods make people physically weaker (45 per cent) and less able to control their emotions (49 per cent).
What are we doing about it?
Here at How I Flow we believe the first step to ending period stigma is to start talking about periods. The How I Flow movement was designed to inspire Canadians to share their open and honest period experiences.
If you want to get involved, check out the #HowIFLow campaign and share your period story on social media to aid in ending period stigma.
XOXO- Quinlan Carnegie Founder of the How I Flow Movement
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