Let’s be honest—periods have been a whispered topic for far too long. Tucked away in secrecy, wrapped in embarrassment, and treated like a “women-only” issue. But here’s the thing: menstruation doesn’t just affect those who have periods. It affects families, schools, workplaces, and entire communities. So this Menstrual Hygiene Day, let’s talk about something that often gets overlooked: we need men and boys in this conversation.
Because when boys grow up without understanding menstruation, they often become men who—sometimes without even realising it—perpetuate the myths, the stigma, and the silence. And that silence has consequences. Girls miss school. Women miss work. People feel ashamed of something completely natural.
This isn’t just a health issue—it’s a human rights issue.
Educating men and boys about periods isn’t just about biology. It’s about shifting mindsets. It’s about teaching empathy, breaking harmful stereotypes, and creating a culture of respect.
And here’s the good news—when we do it right, the results are powerful.
Take Nepal. A 2021 UNICEF and WaterAid study found that after schools ran menstruation education programs including boys, something amazing happened. Before the sessions, only 30% of boys said they’d help a friend on her period. Afterwards? 64% said they would. That’s more than double.
Or Uganda—Plan International ran a program there, and boys who learned about menstruation were much less likely to tease girls. That made school a safer, more welcoming place for everyone.
And in Bhutan, Days for Girls International saw a big shift. Before their menstrual health education sessions, just over half of the boys agreed that “girls should feel proud of their bodies even during their period.” After the sessions? That number jumped to 70%. And those who disagreed dropped from 22% to just 9%.
That’s what happens when we include men and boys—they become part of the solution.
Too often, girls are left to “be strong” on their own—navigating leaks, teasing, or shame in silence. But why should they carry that burden alone? It’s time we gave boys the tools to understand, support, and stand beside them.
At Days for Girls, we believe that lasting change comes when everyone is involved. That’s why we run the Men Who Know program—workshops where men can learn about menstruation, challenge outdated beliefs, and explore how they can be allies.
These aren’t dry lectures. They’re open, honest conversations led by local male educators. Whether in Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, Cambodia, Australia—or anywhere in the world—these sessions create safe spaces for questions, reflection, and real growth.
And the ripple effects? They’re incredible. Men who once thought of periods as taboo are now helping build school toilets, buy menstrual products, and speak out against stigma.
When boys learn, girls benefit. And so do families, schools, and entire communities. Because this is about more than just periods—it’s about dignity, equality, and mutual respect.
So this Menstrual Hygiene Day, let’s do more than just hand out pads. Let’s raise boys who are informed, not embarrassed. Let’s support men to become advocates, not bystanders. And let’s talk—really talk—about periods.
It’s time for men to understand. Time for boys to grow up in the know. And time for all of us to end the silence.
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