March is Women’s History Month—a time to honor the achievements, resilience, and contributions of women throughout history. At Girls Health Period (GHP), we recognize this month as an opportunity to highlight the importance of menstrual education, an issue that has long been stigmatized yet is crucial to gender equality and health equity.
Why Menstrual Education Matters
Menstruation is a natural and essential biological process, yet misinformation, stigma, and lack of access to proper menstrual products continue to create barriers for people who menstruate. Menstrual education goes beyond biology; it is a critical conversation about dignity, health, and empowerment. Without proper education and access, many students miss school, experience shame, and face health risks due to unsafe hygiene practices. Breaking the silence on menstruation is key to ensuring that no one feels ashamed of their body’s natural functions.
Honoring Mary Beatrice Davidson Kenner: A Hidden Figure in Menstrual Innovation
While many pioneers in menstrual health remain unrecognized, one woman in particular made groundbreaking contributions to menstrual products—Mary Beatrice Davidson Kenner. An African American inventor, Kenner revolutionized menstrual hygiene with her creation of the sanitary belt, an invention designed to secure menstrual pads and prevent leakage at a time when modern adhesive pads were not yet available.
Kenner’s invention, patented in 1957, was rejected by companies for years due to racial discrimination, delaying its mass production. However, her persistence in improving menstrual products paved the way for future innovations in menstrual hygiene. She ultimately received five patents in her lifetime, breaking barriers in both the field of invention and women’s health.
Her story reminds us that the fight for menstrual equity is not just about products—it’s about representation, access, and ensuring that everyone has the resources they need to manage their periods with dignity.
Moving Forward: How GHP Supports Menstrual Equity
At GHP, we are committed to advancing menstrual education by equipping students with knowledge, resources, and hygiene products. Through initiatives like our I AM Her program and partnerships with schools, we ensure that young people—especially those in marginalized communities—receive the education and support they need to thrive.
Our annual GHP Summit is a key part of this mission, bringing together educators, students, and advocates to discuss menstrual health, empowerment, and equity. Additionally, our work with the Keeping Teen Moms In School (KTMIS) program ensures that young mothers have access to menstrual products, hygiene education, and support so they can continue their education without unnecessary obstacles.
By continuing conversations about menstruation and recognizing the pioneers who have shaped menstrual health, we can break stigmas and create a future where periods are no longer a source of shame or limitation.
Get Involved
As we celebrate Women’s History Month, let’s honor women like by advocating for menstrual equity. Whether through education, donations, or policy change, every effort brings us closer to a world where menstrual health is a right, not a privilege.
Join us in spreading awareness and making a difference. Together, we can create a more informed and inclusive future!
#WomensHistoryMonth #MenstrualEquity #GHP #BreakingBarriers
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