WHAT'S THE PROBLEM?

Although nearly half of the world’s population menstruate at some point in their lives, menstruation presents significant challenges when individuals lack the information, resources, infrastructure and social support they need to manage their menstrual health and wellbeing safely and with dignity.

In 2014, the United Nations Human Rights Council acknowledged the impacts of menstrual stigma and lack of menstrual health management on gender equality. This indicates a growing recognition that menstruation is not ‘only’ a ‘women’s issue’, but rather a societal issue affecting women’s fundamental human rights. It affects participation and opportunities, including rights to health, safety and dignity, gender equality, education and employment.

The Commissioner for Children and Young People SA Helen Connolly has teamed up with Taboo, Period Revolution (an initiative of GOGO Events) and Chalice Foundation for an engaged day of exploration and discussion.

TIME FOR ACTION

Commissioner Connolly’s ‘Menstruation Matters’ examines young people’s attitudes toward menstruation and reveals that inadequate access to period products is just one of the issues young women face, amongst what is a much broader societal problem.

Menstrual stigma (from first period to menopause) is not an issue receiving much attention from the government, yet we know that tackling it is key to achieving gender equity. It’s time to come together to acknowledge the key struggles and barriers surrounding menstruation, sharing our ideas for change, and carving a pathway forward together. A pathway that unites us in our efforts to raise awareness and understanding of the need for systemic change action on menstruation.

We are delighted to have Lucy Peach joining us to get the day started right, and we some fabulous spotlight talks from people active across multiple sectors to introduce key topics. This will be followed by a facilitated workshop and discussion. It's the intention to give everyone a chance to share and connect, so come ready! Please register to hold your spot (as tickets are complimentary there are limited numbers available). We’ll share more updates on the format of the Summit very soon.

WE NEED YOU + 2

As an interested and engaged person working or volunteering in a relevant sector, we ask that you share this invite with 2 people you know who you believe should be in the room when this important discussion takes place. We won’t be doing a big public callout for the Period Summit, but we would greatly value you and your fellow champions attending.

If you're unable to attend in person, but would like to be involved in what unfolds or to share your relevant work with the attendees, please select a digital wrap-up ticket. We'll get in touch about this soon.

MEET OUR SUPPORTER

The Period Summit is generously supported by Modibodi.

MEET THE COLLABORATORS

Helen Connolly, Commissioner for Children and Young People, South Australia

South Australia’s Commissioner for Children and Young People is responsible for advocating for systemic change to policies, programs and practices that impact the rights, development and wellbeing of South Australia’s children and young people. This work is informed by the experiences and issues of children and young people themselves, with a specific focus on those who struggle to have their voices heard.

The Commissioner’s work is guided by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child; the core international treaty established in 1989 designed to protect children’s rights throughout the world to which Australia is a signatory. This important agreement sets out the civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights of children around the world. The Commissioner aims to ensure that as a part of the Australian Commonwealth, South Australia enacts its international obligations under this Convention. Visit ccyp.com.au for more about the Commissioner’s work or engage @ccypsa

Co-Founders Eloise Hall & Isobel Marshal

TABOO Sanitary Products is a social enterprise that sells high quality, certified organic cotton pads and tampons to Australian customers with all company profits dedicated to eradicating global period poverty. TABOO has a strong focus on educating, campaigning and advocacy, aiming to dismantle menstrual stigma and free the conversation of periods to create practical change. TABOO has also partnered with many Australian organisations, providing free access to pads for Australian women who require menstrual support. '@taboosanitaryproducts

Co-Founders Nikk Palmer & Sarah Gun

Period Revolution is a social enterprise designed to create systems-level change to create a positive menstrual culture. We focus on facilitating collaboration across the menstrual activism ecosystem, creating opportunities for all people with periods to share their experience and intersectionality. Period Revolution is an initiative of GOGO Events, a social enterprise creating a better future for women. @periodrevolution_au

Founder Jane Bennett

Established in 2017 as a not-for-profit social enterprise the Chalice Foundation was created to gather and channel the expertise of menstrual educators and promote menstrual wellbeing, quality menstrual education and above all a positive menstrual culture.

Today, as we celebrate a rising tide of menstrual awareness, menstrual activism and menstrual education, we look forward to these becoming key features of all gender equity actions, public health initiatives, workplace and social policy, as well as life-long education. @chalicefoundation

This event is being managed by social enterprise GOGO Events.