Amplifying Youth Voices for Menstrual Equity
Menstrual health education is a critical component of comprehensive health and wellness programming for young people. Yet, too often, menstruation remains a taboo subject, shrouded in stigma and misinformation. Empowering youth to become advocates for menstrual health can transform this narrative, creating more supportive and inclusive school environments.
Recent initiatives, such as the Menstrual Dignity for Students Program in Oregon, have demonstrated the power of student-led advocacy. This program requires schools to provide free menstrual products in a safe, accessible, and gender-affirming manner, while also ensuring that menstrual health education is integrated into the curriculum. By centering the voices and experiences of young people, this program has catalyzed meaningful change, challenging outdated attitudes and advancing menstrual equity.
“Change starts with one person and can grow really fast.” – Tristan, youth advocate
Similarly, organizations like Better Futures Forever in Texas are empowering young community health workers to reduce stigma and increase access to reproductive health education. Through their ambassador program, high school students receive training to become leaders, sharing crucial information with their peers and families.
These examples highlight the transformative potential of youth-led initiatives. When given the opportunity, young people can become powerful agents of change, addressing systemic barriers and promoting holistic menstrual health education.
Fostering Inclusive, Affirming Environments
Effective menstrual health education must go beyond simply providing information. It requires creating inclusive, affirming environments where all students feel validated and supported in their experiences.
“Nearly 30,000 youth aged out of foster care in Fiscal Year 2009, which represents nine percent of the young people involved in the foster care system that year. This transition can be challenging for youth, especially youth who have grown up in the child welfare system.” (youth.gov)
For youth who have experienced trauma, such as those in the foster care system, access to menstrual health resources and education can be especially critical. Providing trauma-informed, gender-affirming support can help empower these young people, fostering a sense of dignity and self-worth.
Additionally, research has shown that “nearly one in five children/youth have a diagnosable mental health disorder.” (youth.gov) Integrated mental health support and stigma-free discussions around menstruation can be transformative for young people navigating these intersections.
By prioritizing inclusivity, schools and community organizations can ensure that menstrual health education reaches all students, regardless of their gender identity, socioeconomic status, or life experiences. This holistic approach cultivates a culture of empathy, understanding, and mutual respect.
Empowering Youth as Changemakers
Meaningful youth engagement is at the heart of effective menstrual health education programs. When young people are empowered as partners and decision-makers, the impact can be profound.
“Civic engagement has the potential to empower young adults, increase their self-determination, and give them the skills and self-confidence they need to enter the workforce.” (youth.gov)
Organizations like Visionaria Network in Latin America are harnessing the power of youth-led initiatives, providing hands-on learning and mentorship to help young people develop and implement their own sustainable development projects. By cultivating a “visionaria” (female visionary) mindset, these programs foster the leadership skills and social change mindset that are crucial for advancing menstrual equity.
Similarly, the Eurasia Foundation of Central Asia in Tajikistan is conducting research to better understand the barriers and enablers of youth civic engagement in peacebuilding and conflict prevention efforts. This kind of context-specific, youth-centered approach can uncover invaluable insights to inform the design of impactful menstrual health programs.
Empowering youth as changemakers is not just about engaging them in the process; it’s about amplifying their voices, honoring their lived experiences, and entrusting them to lead the way. When young people are given a seat at the decision-making table, they can challenge outdated norms, advocate for systemic change, and inspire their peers to become agents of transformation.
Investing in Holistic, Positive Youth Development
Effective menstrual health education must be grounded in a holistic, positive youth development (PYD) approach. This framework emphasizes building young people’s assets, promoting their active engagement, and fostering supportive environments.
“Research links early leadership with increased self-efficacy and suggests that leadership can help youth to develop decision making and interpersonal skills that support successes in the workforce and adulthood.” (youth.gov)
PYD-aligned programs prioritize mentorship, skills development, and opportunities for youth to actively shape their own futures. This empowers young people to become leaders, problem-solvers, and advocates for their own health and wellbeing.
For example, the Waves for Change Surf Therapy program in South Africa is working to develop a gender-sensitive program design, challenging harmful gender norms and creating space for girls to thrive. By centering the experiences and needs of young women and girls, this program is fostering an environment where menstrual health education can be truly transformative.
Additionally, the Education Development Center’s work on identifying cross-cutting non-cognitive skills for PYD offers valuable insights. Their research highlights the importance of addressing mismatches between youth and stakeholder perceptions of “soft skills,” which can have significant implications for educational and employment outcomes. This understanding can inform the design of menstrual health education programs that truly empower young people.
Investing in holistic, PYD-aligned initiatives empowers young people to become leaders, problem-solvers, and advocates for their own health and wellbeing. When menstrual health education is embedded within this broader framework of youth development, it becomes a powerful tool for fostering resilience, self-efficacy, and community engagement.
Conclusion: Unlocking the Potential of Youth-Led Menstrual Health Advocacy
As we work to promote menstrual health education in schools, it is vital that we prioritize the voices, experiences, and leadership of young people. By empowering youth as changemakers, creating inclusive environments, and adopting a holistic PYD approach, we can unlock the transformative potential of menstrual health advocacy.
Through initiatives like the Menstrual Dignity for Students Program, Better Futures Forever, and the Visionaria Network, we have seen the profound impact that can be achieved when young people are given the platform and resources to drive change. These examples serve as inspiring models, demonstrating the power of youth-led solutions to address systemic barriers and advance menstrual equity.
As we continue to navigate this critical work, let us remain steadfast in our commitment to amplifying youth voices, fostering inclusive spaces, and investing in holistic PYD programs. By doing so, we can catalyze a movement of young changemakers, poised to transform the menstrual health landscape and create a more just, equitable, and empowering future for all.
