The business of periods: A history of hits and misses
That cotton tampon holds more than your period; it has absorbed a long political history.
The tampon, the pad, even the panty liner: Their path to invention wasn't just challenging in the traditional sense. It was (and still is) downright riddled with stigma.
May 28 marks Menstrual Hygiene Day, a time to raise awareness around good feminine hygiene practices around the world and lessen the taboo around menstruating women and girls.
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In some countries and regions, girls are not permitted to attend school when menstruating, which puts them at risk for falling behind. Other cultures isolate menstruating girls and women from men. Some have little to no access to feminine hygiene products at all, much less education about this natural and healthy bodily function.
Western countries have more access to products and informational services, but stigma still persists.
Learn more about the evolution of feminine hygiene products, via the People for Periods project and infographic below. Attempts at delivering quality products haven't always been successful, and some marketing attempts have been reproachful (see "silent purchase coupons").
But there is evidence of progress. Let's just keep talking about periods. It's an evolving conversation, but never a shameful one.
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Topics Gender Health Social Good
Stephanie Buck was the lifestyle editor at Mashable. During her career in media, she has contributed to publications both national and local. A California transplant, she now lives in New York City in a tiny apartment overflowing with yoga mats, knitting needles and craft beer. Follow her antics @StephMBuck.
