Silence around menstruation has never solved problems—it has only deepened them. For generations, periods have been whispered about in hushed tones, relegated to “women’s issues,” while half the population remains largely uninformed about a biological process that affects billions. This segregation of knowledge and responsibility has contributed to a global crisis of period poverty that demands attention from everyone, regardless of gender.
Period poverty—the inability to access menstrual products, education, hygiene facilities, waste management, or even the basic right to discuss menstruation without shame—affects millions worldwide. Girls miss school, women miss work, and countless individuals suffer in silence. The economic impact is staggering, but the human cost is immeasurable. How can we claim to value equality while allowing such a fundamental aspect of human experience to remain shrouded in stigma and practical challenges?
For those experiencing periods, the challenges are numerous and persistent. From the financial burden of purchasing sanitary pads, month to month, to the lack of adequate sanitation facilities in schools and workplaces, to the physical discomfort of cramps and bloating while still being expected to function normally—these realities shape lives in profound ways. Pain is dismissed, symptoms are minimized, and embarrassment is normalized as an inevitable part of menstruation.
Boys and men have been historically excluded from these conversations, creating a knowledge gap that perpetuates myths and misunderstandings. This artificial division serves no one. When brothers don’t understand why their sisters stay home from school, when husbands can’t comprehend their wives’ monthly pain, when male policy makers allocate budgets without considering menstrual needs—the cycle of period poverty continues unabated. Haven’t we reached a point in human progress where natural biological functions shouldn’t be divisive topics?
Including boys and men in period education creates powerful allies. When young men learn about menstruation alongside their female peers, stigma diminishes and empathy grows. Male family members who understand can better support daughters, sisters, partners, and friends. Male educators, healthcare providers, and community leaders who are knowledgeable about menstrual health can advocate for better facilities, affordable products, and comprehensive education programs that benefit everyone.
The movement to end period poverty requires all hands on deck. Men in positions of influence—from fathers to CEOs to government officials—have unique opportunities to challenge outdated taboos and implement practical solutions. This might mean ensuring workplace bathrooms are properly stocked with free menstrual products, supporting policies that eliminate taxes on essential menstrual items, or simply creating environments where open, factual discussions about periods are normalized rather than silenced.
What would our world look like if every boy grew up understanding periods as naturally as any other bodily function? What if men viewed period advocacy not as someone else’s fight but as a matter of basic human dignity and public health? The path to ending period poverty runs through every community, classroom, and household. When boys and men join this conversation with respect and commitment, we move closer to a world where no one faces shame, missed opportunities, or health risks simply because they menstruate.
Written By: Samuel Nii Adjetey
adjeteysamuel833@gmail.com
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