Surrey group calls for better menstrual education to tackle period stigma

A new nationwide survey from Plan International UK reveals that many girls are still experiencing embarrassment and a lack of support when it comes to talking about periods.

The survey, which questioned 1,000 girls aged 12-21 found:

• 1 in 10 girls said they'd been bullied or teased by a teacher about their period.

• 41% have never spoken openly to a boy or man about menstruation.

• 24% have spent less than an hour learning about periods throughout their entire school education.

Campaigners say these figures point to a failure in wider societal attitudes. Groups like the Surrey Hills branch of International Soroptimist are working to break the cycle.

Ruth Healy is the President there and tells us the conversation needs to be more widespread in order to break down the stigma:

"It's about bringing everybody into the conversation and making it more normal. At the end of the day, it's not something that we need to be embarrassed about, because it's part of who we are."

SI Surrey Hills has worked with Surrey Country Council in the past on initiatives to improve period dignity- including raising awareness and improving access to menstrual products.

They say making menstrual education inclusive and factual is essential to breaking down taboos and building confidence in young people.