Menstruation is a human rights issue

Published on: 25/05/2019

Menstruation is a natural, and essential, part of the reproductive cycle; roughly half the human population has or will experience it. But too often, menstruation is shrouded in mystery, leading to exclusion, neglect and discrimination. Learn more: unfpa.org/menstruation

Music by Bensound.

News

Menstruation is not a girls' or women’s issue – it’s a human rights issue

In India, 15-year-old Priyanka Meena sleeps outside her home when she has her periods. She wears the same clothes and uses the same utensils when she menstruates; these are believed to be unclean. © UNFPA India

28 May 2019

Resources

Menstruation and human rights - Frequently asked questions

Resource date: May 2022

Author: UNFPA

News

Reaching pregnant women at risk from conflict in Maguindanao, Philippines

Eight months pregnant and mother of six, Nadia Muson and her family were within earshot of the armed conflict in their municipality of Datu Salibo, Maguindanao. © UNFPA Philippines/ Rochelle Yu

06 May 2019

News

Joint operation rescues hundreds from Cyclone Kenneth in Mozambique

The firefighters were deployed a month ago by the Government of Brazil to help victims of Cyclone Idai. Image courtesy of Bombeiros do Brasil

30 April 2019

Updates

UNFPA and Kao Corporation join hands together to create a better future for vulnerable Ugandan girls

08 Feb 2019

EcoSmart Pads, Ltd product developers visited Kanyaryeru Child Support Centre in Kiruhura district, Western Uganda to conduct a product test of their first prototype pads in 2017. While receiving feedback from local girls, EcoSmart Pads provided a menstrual hygiene educational session.

Updates

UNFPA partners with Flo app to bring reproductive health information to millions of users

16 Feb 2018

UNFPA Regional Director Alanna Armitage and OWHealth Director Dmitry Gurski at the signing ceremony in Minsk (left); the Flo app (right). © UNFPA Belarus

News

“I had no idea what was happening” – Menstrual health needs surge for refugees

During conflict, the most intimate – and taboo – health needs of women and girls are often overlooked. Marie Anny, 13, is one of 7,000 women and girls of reproductive age in Angola's Lóvua refugee settlement. © UNFPA Angola

05 November 2018

News

A turning point for girls' and women’s menstrual health in Africa

30 May 2018

News

Period shame, misinformation linked to serious human rights concerns

Menstrual health is a serious, but overlooked, issue among vulnerable women. Refugees in Louva, Angola, receive UNFPA-distributed dignity kits, which include sanitary napkins, soap, laundry detergent and other essential hygiene supplies. © UNFPA/Tiril Skarstein

07 June 2018

Subscribe to menstruation