periods
Empowering young minds to understand menstruation.
*small note: This project was developed before inclusive language became widely recognised. It is essential to clarify that this project is not limited to women; it is for all individuals who menstruate, as well as those who do not. understanding how periods work is valuable for everyone.
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The human body has been a source of fascination and scientific exploration for centuries. Among its many wonders, the female body has always captivated the public's interest, sparking discussions about its appearance, sensations, and functionality. However, there is one topic that remains relatively untouched and carries a lingering taboo: menstruation.
Why does menstruation continue to be a difficult conversation to have? What underlies the stigma around it? And how does this lack of dialogue affect young children as they approach their menstruation journey?
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To delve into these questions, a diverse and extensive demographic of people was engaged for this research project. The testimonials yielded a compelling finding: a significant number of individuals lacked sufficient education about menstruation within the school system.
For many participants, knowledge about periods came reactively, often on the very day they started menstruating. As a result, their initiation into this natural process was primarily reactive, rather than informed.
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Enter "Periods," an engaging illustrated book designed for young people aged 8-12. This book sets out to demystify periods by explaining what they are, why they occur, and how to handle them confidently.
Through captivating illustrations that blend artistry and biology, "Periods" seeks to evoke childhood nostalgia while steering away from the clinical approach that can bewilder children. By offering a safe and open space for discussion, this book aims to challenge the stigma surrounding menstruation.
"Periods" is a resource for everyone, fostering understanding, growth, and, most importantly, encouraging open dialogue. Its purpose is to empower young minds to embrace the flow of menstruation and navigate this natural process with confidence.
“The sex education stuff covered in year 7 covered periods but, it didn’t really cover the side effects I was going through and I think I’m still learning about everything. I still don’t think I’m as prepared and more more products are coming out that weren’t there when I started so it’s still a journey.”
“[menstruation] hadn’t been explained to me until I started.
I went to my mum like ‘whats happening’ and then she explained... I definitely wasn’t prepared I didn’t know anything at all.”
“I remember being taught about it in year 5 and stuff but the majority of the things I learnt were from my sister and
my mum... I got the information about the physical stuff but not anything about the emotional side effects and the hormones and how it effects you as a whole person. It was just more like ‘here’s a pad’. I’m definitely learning stuff from friends and about symptoms and the side effects as well as how your cycle changes as you get older.”
“I learnt from my mother, I think I was about 10 when she told me about periods. But I felt a bit embarrassed so she gave me a few books about puberty and menstruation. These became really helpful when I first started my period and didn’t want to ask mum any embarrassing questions.
I really don’t remember any lessons at school, maybe that one lesson about the uterus but it definitely wasn’t very memorable. I learnt everything from home and experience as I started my period when I just turned 11”
“I was pretty shocked and embarrassed, because I lost a lot [of blood] and it was pretty difficult- especially with two older brothers. But they were very good about it and pretended it all wasn’t happening, but it obviously was. That was difficult really. ”
“It was the late 60s - early 70s then. I had these things called ‘Dr Whites’ and they were big cotton wool that would stick to you- I don’t think there was anything else available in terms of pads. Thing is, we couldn’t put them [used sanitary products] in the bin- they had to be burnt. Blood had to be burnt. So my mother used to make bonfires in the summer or take them down to the fireplace. I don’t think it was common in other families- I think it just was my particular family- I don’t think I have ever told anyone that. I never asked any of my friends because I kind of knew that is was just my mum and it was a bit weird.”