08/12/2025
🌸 International Dignified Menstruation Day – December 8 🌸
Today, we observe International Dignified Menstruation Day, recognizing that dignified menstruation is a fundamental human rights concern and that menstrual discrimination is a form of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). This day reminds us that every person who menstruates deserves safety, dignity, and respect throughout their life.
🔴 What is Menstrual Discrimination?
Menstrual discrimination includes the taboos, shame, stigma, silence, restrictions, violence, and lack of access to essential resources that people face simply because they menstruate. These harmful practices affect girls, women, trans men, q***r individuals, and all people born with a uterus and ovaries.
Yet, menstruation is a normal biological process, not something to hide, fear, or be ashamed of.
🔴 What is Dignified Menstruation?
Dignified Menstruation (DM) means freedom from all forms of discrimination related to menstruation. It stands for a world where there is no stigma, no silence, no shame, no harmful restrictions, and no violence associated with menstruation. It ensures that every menstruator can manage their cycle safely, confidently, and respectfully throughout their life.
Despite being a natural part of life for 1.8 billion people of reproductive age, millions still lack proper facilities, support, and social acceptance to manage their periods in a healthy and dignified way. This is why December 8 is celebrated globally—to spread the message that menstruation is completely normal, and dignity should be non-negotiable.
This day also aligns with the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, reinforcing our shared responsibility to end all forms of menstrual stigma and discrimination.
🌍 This is the seventh edition of International Dignified Menstruation Day.
Let us work together to create a society where menstruation is understood, respected, and dignified for everyone.
