Championing Menstrual Health at UN CSW: A Path to Gender Equality
At this year’s United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, Days for Girls (DfG) had the privilege of co-hosting a parallel event focused on the importance of menstrual health (MH) throughout a person’s lifecycle—from menarche to menopause. With a diverse group of global champions, policymakers, and youth leaders, the session emphasized the transformative power of comprehensive MH policies in education, workplaces, and community spaces.
Why Menstrual Health Matters
MH is fundamental to gender equality. Without access to proper MH education, products, and policies, people face barriers that hinder their ability to thrive in school, the workplace, and beyond.
For one of the sessions titled, “Economic Empowerment of Women Entrepreneurs, Gender Equality and the Sustainable Development Goals,” Days for Girls CEO, Tiffany Larson, spoke about the role menstrual health plays in these sectors.
Another DfG session explored how systemic investments in MH drive social and economic support and contribute to achieving global development goals. Specifically, the discussion aligned with two pillars of the Beijing Declaration—Institutional Mechanisms for Women’s Advancement” and “Women and the Economy”—as well as several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:
- SDG 4: Quality Education – Ensuring that menstrual health is addressed in schools to prevent absenteeism and dropout rates.
- SDG 5: Gender Equality – Creating inclusive policies that remove stigma and barriers around menstruation.
- SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – Strengthening WASH infrastructure in community spaces.
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – Encouraging workplace policies that support menstrual health, fostering productivity and employee well-being.
Key Discussions and Takeaways
The event featured insights from thought leaders and experts, beginning with an introduction from DfG’s Global Advocacy Director Diana Nelson, followed by a keynote from Professor Marcy Karin, who provided an overview of menstrual health definitions and their linkages to global frameworks.
Ambassador Peter Derrek Hof of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs shared how the Netherlands integrates menstrual health into its gender equity and women’s health policies, setting a precedent for government involvement in MH advocacy.
Three sector-specific presentations highlighted best practices and real-world applications of menstrual health initiatives:
- Community Spaces & WASH Facilities – Marije Broekhuijsen from UNICEF discussed how improved water and sanitation infrastructure supports menstruators in public spaces.
- Workplaces and Private Sector Engagement – Jess Strait from DfG showcased the Period Positive Workplace and how integrating menstrual health policies into the workplace benefits everyone.
- Educational Systems and Policy Implementation – Suzanne Herman from Period Law provided insights into New York City’s legislation ensuring free menstrual products in schools, the ongoing journey to implementation across the city, and its positive return on investment.
Youth Leaders’ Perspectives
Attendees were particularly inspired by testimonials from youth activists who are at the forefront of menstrual health advocacy. Their firsthand experiences highlighted the urgent need to incorporate youth voices into policy discussions and decision-making processes.
Interactive Engagement and Calls to Action
Beyond the presentations, the session encouraged meaningful participation. Attendees collaborated in small groups to explore how menstrual health interventions could be woven into their specific sectors. To wrap up, everyone took part in a Call to Action by writing letters to themselves with at least one commitment they planned to follow through on. The letters will be shared back to attendees as a reminder of their commitment and a way for them to track their own progress.
Call to Action for MH Advocates
At the end of the parallel session, DfG disseminated a recent collaborative Global Menstrual Collective report, Red Alert: Menstrual Health and Hygiene – A Critical Opportunity to Advance Gender Equity. For those who were unable to attend DfG’s parallel event, read the report HERE. This report links menstrual health to key priority areas in the Beijing Platform for Action and highlights why it is essential for stakeholders to include MH in their agendas to drive lasting progress, advance gender equity, and create conducive environments for all. Read it to better understand how menstrual health can strengthen your efforts toward sustainable change.
