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Glossary

Menstrual Justice

Language as a tool to destigmatise menstrual experiences

Language stands at the core of our action towards menstrual justice. Since we started Jeyetna we have agreed to use a lexicon that does not carry further stigma in the different languages we operate in (Arabic, English and French). In our work towards destigmatising menstrual experiences, we choose descriptive language and stress the importance of using  existing vocabulary instead of euphemisms to lift the heavy silence around menstruation. Duringour in-person events we focus on questioning expressions, idioms and adjectives used to describe menstrual experiences, including menopause.

Hygiene & Sanitary

The aid and development sector, spearheaded by the United Nations, uses terms like “Menstrual Hygiene Management”, “Hygiene” and “Sanitary products”. The words “hygiene/hygienic” and “sanitary” carry the idea of a loaded binary of clean versus unclean that pertains to discussion around menstrual blood, which is further pushed by product advertisements.

Feminine hygiene products

Some products are also labelled feminine hygiene products, which equates the menstrual cycle with femininity. This is an issue for two reasons: (1) femininity is a vague term used to enforce gendered behaviour, characteristics and expectations on women and girls globally. (2) not all women menstruate, and not all people who menstruate are women; menstrual justice includes transgender, non-binary, non-conforming genders, and people who identify as masculine/men.

Menstrual Equity

Menstrual equity primarily focuses on ensuring fair access to menstrual products, education, and healthcare.


Goals:

  • Access to Products: Making menstrual products affordable and available to all who need them.
  • Education: Providing comprehensive menstrual health education to reduce stigma and increase understanding.
  • Healthcare: Ensuring access to healthcare services that address menstrual health issues.
  • Policy Changes: Supporting policies that make menstrual products tax-free and accessible in public spaces.


 

Approach: Practical and immediate solutions to remove barriers to menstrual health management.


Examples:

  • Distributing free menstrual products in schools and public facilities.
  • Educational campaigns about menstrual health in schools and communities.

Menstrual Justice

Menstrual justice encompasses a systemic approach, addressing the root causes and broader socio-economic, cultural, and political inequalities related to menstruation.


Goals:


  • Socio-Economic Inequities: Tackling poverty and other socio-economic factors that limit access to menstrual products and healthcare.
  • Systemic Discrimination: Addressing how menstrual stigma intersects with other forms of discrimination (gender, race, disability, etc.).
  • Policy Advocacy: Advocating for comprehensive policy reforms that ensure menstrual health is included in broader human rights agendas.
  • Gender Equality: Linking menstrual issues with broader gender equality and feminist movements.
  • Cultural Change: Transforming societal attitudes and norms around menstruation.
  • Intersectional Approach: Considering the diverse experiences of various groups, including LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and those in crisis situations.


 

Approach: Long-term, systemic change to address deep-rooted inequalities and injustices.


Examples:


  • Advocacy campaigns for removing the luxury tax on menstrual products and introducing menstrual leave policies.
  • Efforts to integrate menstrual health into wider gender equality and human rights discussions.
  • Challenging cultural stigmas and norms that perpetuate menstrual discrimination.

Menstrual Health

Menstrual health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity, in relation to the menstrual cycle. Achieving menstrual health implies that women, girls, and all other people who experience a menstrual cycle, throughout their life-course, are able to:


  • access accurate, timely, age-appropriate information about the menstrual cycle, menstruation, and changes experienced throughout the life-course, as well as related self-care and hygiene practices.
  • care for their bodies during menstruation such that their preferences, hygiene, comfort, privacy, and safety are supported. This includes accessing and using effective and affordable menstrual materials and having supportive facilities and services, including water, sanitation and hygiene services, for washing the body and hands, changing menstrual materials, and cleaning and/or disposing of used materials.
  • access to timely diagnosis, treatment and care for menstrual cycle-related discomforts and disorders, including access to appropriate health services and resources, pain relief, and strategies for self-care.
  • experience a positive and respectful environment in relation to the menstrual cycle, free from stigma and psychological distress, including the resources and support they need to confidently care for their bodies and make informed decisions about self-care throughout their menstrual cycle.
  • decide whether and how to participate in all spheres of life, including civil, cultural, economic, social, and political, during all phases of the menstrual cycle, free from menstrual-related exclusion, restriction, discrimination, coercion, and/or violence.

 

Hennegan, J., Winkler, I. T., Bobel, C., Keiser, D., Hampton, J., Larsson, G., Chandra-Mouli, V., Plesons, M., & Mahon, T. (n.d.). Menstrual health: A definition for policy, practice, and research. Sexual and Reproductive Health Matters, 29(1), 1911618. https://doi.org/10.1080/26410397.2021.1911618

Disposable Menstrual Products

Disposable menstrual products are items designed for single-use during menstruation, after which they are discarded.

These products are widely used due to their convenience and availability. Disposable menstrual products offer convenient and accessible options for menstrual management but come with environmental and economic considerations. They include sanitary pads, tampons, panty liners, disposable menstrual cups, menstrual discs, and disposable period underwear, catering to a wide range of needs and preferences. Key types of disposable menstrual products include:

Menstrual Pads

  • Absorbent pads that adhere to the inside of underwear to collect menstrual blood. 
  • Different options are available such as: Regular, Maxi, Ultra-Thin, Night Pads, Winged Pads

 

Tampons

  • Cylindrical absorbent devices inserted into the vagina to absorb menstrual blood.
  • Different options are available based on absorption capacity as well as insertion method:
    • Applicator Tampons: Come with a plastic or cardboard applicator to aid insertion.
    • Non-Applicator Tampons: Inserted using fingers without an applicator.

 

Panty Liners

  • Thin absorbent pads used for light spotting, daily discharge, or as backup with tampons or menstrual cups.

 

Menstrual Discs

  • Flat, flexible discs made of medical-grade materials inserted into the vagina to collect menstrual blood.

 

Disposable Period Underwear

  • Absorbent underwear designed to be worn during menstruation and disposed of after use.

Advantages of Disposable Menstrual Products

  • Convenience: Easy to use and dispose of after a single use.
  • Availability: Widely available in stores and online.
  • Variety: Multiple options to suit different flow levels and personal preferences.

Disadvantages of Disposable Menstrual Products

  • Cost: Continuous purchasing can be expensive over time.
  • Health Concerns: Some products contain chemicals or synthetic materials that can cause irritation or allergies in some users.
  • Environmental Impact: Generate a significant amount of waste due to single-use nature.

Reusable Menstrual Products

Reusable menstrual products are designed to be used multiple times over an extended period, offering a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative to disposable options.

They include menstrual cups, cloth pads, period underwear, reusable menstrual discs, and sea sponges. These products help reduce environmental impact, save money over time, and often offer added comfort and health benefits, though they require an initial investment and regular maintenance. Here are some common types of reusable menstrual products:

Reusable (cloth) Menstrual Pads

  • Fabric pads that attach to the inside of underwear with snaps or velcro, used to absorb menstrual blood.
  • Washed and reused after each use.
  • Available in various sizes and absorbencies, similar to disposable pads (light, regular, heavy, overnight).
  • Often made from cotton, bamboo, or hemp fabrics.
  • Lasts up to 5 years 

 

Period Underwear

  • Underwear with built-in absorbent layers designed to absorb menstrual blood.
  • Worn like regular underwear.
  • Can be worn alone or as backup with other menstrual products.
  • Washed and reused after each use.
  • Lasts up to 2 years 

 

Menstrual Cup

  • Bell-shaped cups made from medical-grade silicone, rubber, or TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) inserted into the vagina to collect menstrual blood.
  • Inserted into the vagina to create a seal that collects menstrual fluid.
  • Can be worn for up to from 6-8 hours, depending on flow.
  • Rinsed and reinserted during menstruation, then thoroughly cleaned and sterilised between cycles.
  • Lasts up to 15 years

 

Reusable Menstrual Discs

  • Flexible, flat discs made of medical-grade materials that are inserted into the vagina to collect menstrual blood.
  • Inserted to sit at the base of the cervix.
  • Can be worn for 8 to 12 hours.
  • Rinsed and reused during the cycle, then thoroughly cleaned between cycles.
  • Lasts up to 10 years

Advantages of Reusable Menstrual Products

  • Cost-Effective: Initial investment can be higher, but long-term savings are substantial.
  • Health Benefits: Often free from the chemicals and synthetic materials found in some disposable products.
  • Environmental Impact: Significantly reduces waste compared to disposable products.
  • Comfort: Many users find reusable products more comfortable and less irritating.

Disadvantages of Reusable Menstrual Products

  • Initial Cost: Higher upfront cost compared to disposable options.
  • Maintenance: Requires regular cleaning and care.
  • Learning Curve: Some products, like menstrual cups and discs, may take time to learn how to use properly.
  • Convenience: Less convenient in situations without access to clean water for washing.

Jeyetna recommends using terms like:

  • Menstrual or Period products
  • Menstrual health and rights 
  • Women and people who menstruate