Menstrual justice should be at the heart of health and gender equity interventions, write Emily Wilson and colleagues
The menstrual cycle and menstruation are normal, physiological processes. But the experience of menstruation is shaped by social, economic, and structural factors and associated inequalities. These factors pose substantial challenges to accessing information about their bodies, menstrual products, toilets, water, disposal facilities, and health services to women, girls, and other people who menstruate.123 A menstrual justice lens can facilitate action to tackle the inequities that underlie poor menstrual health, bringing about change for menstrual, sexual, and reproductive health, and gender inequality.
“Menstrual injustice” refers to the stigma and discrimination faced by women. The effects are profound across low and middle income countries, but period poverty is also widespread in high income countries. The use of unhygienic products and poor menstrual hygiene practices increases the risk of urinary and reproductive tract infections.45 Poor knowledge of the menstrual cycle adversely affects family planning and contraceptive …