Olson MM, Alhelou N, Kavattur PS, Rountree L, Winkler IT. The persistent power of stigma: A critical review of policy initiatives to break the menstrual silence and advance menstrual literacy.

This paper discusses the powerful impact of menstrual stigma on women’s health management and examines policy documents and interviews from India, Kenya, Senegal, and the United States. Although many policies aim to improve menstrual education and awareness, they have not fully succeeded in dismantling the stigma around menstruation. The article highlights that menstrual stigma remains strong and often invisible, with policymakers reluctant to confront it directly. Effective menstrual education should promote autonomy and empowerment, rather than merely focusing on managing or concealing menstruation.

Discussion Questions to Deepen Understanding

1. What is menstrual stigma, and how does it affect women’s health management?
2. What policies try to address menstrual stigma? Have they achieved their goals? Why or why not?
3. How can menstrual education promote autonomy instead of just managing or hiding menstruation?