Half the World Menstruates. Now, Let's Talk About It

Women and girls of reproductive age comprise more than half the global female population, yet various parts of the world still view menstruation — a normal biological process that indicates reproductive health — with stigma.

According to survey results released by WaterAid in 2012, 48% of girls in Iran and 10% of girls in India believed menstruation is a disease. A UNICEF study showed that 66% of girls in South Asia knew nothing of menstruation before their first period. In certain cultures, menstruating women are isolated, impeding their overall hygiene and access to education.