6th International Dignified Menstruation: 8th December 2024

Concept Note for Collaboration to Mark the 6^th International Dignified  Menstruation Day 2024

Context

The Global South Coalition for Dignified Menstruation (GSCDM) is an international network committed to transforming the narrative around menstruation from one of shame and stigma to one of dignity. We advocate for Dignified Menstruation, a framework that views menstruation not merely as a monthly cycle but as a crucial aspect of the human lifecycle and a fundamental human right. This approach emphasizes that menstruation should be understood as an integral part of life, shifting the focus from basic hygiene and management to a broader, multifaceted intersectional issue. Dignified menstruation is a transformative, decolonized, feminist, and holistic human rights approach to an equitable and just society.

Menstrual discrimination manifests in various forms, including taboos, stigma, shame, restrictions, abuse, violence, and deprivation of resources and services. This issue is pervasive across the globe, appearing under different names and varying in the spectrum of intensity and visibility. This discrimination not only insidiously affects the individual throughout their lifecycle constructing the unequal power relationships and patriarchy. GSCDM strongly asserts that menstrual discrimination is a form of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and a violation of human rights. It contributes to various forms of SGBV like domestic violence, child marriage, and sexual and reproductive coercion infringing upon several human rights, both short and long-term.

Unfortunately,  the discussion around menstrual discrimination is often lacking, particularly regarding its role in reinforcing power structures and patriarchy under the guise of culture, tradition, or poverty. To address this, GSCDM has designated December 8th as a day to call for comprehensive action against menstrual discrimination. This date is set within the 14th day of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, emphasizing its significance in the context of human rights and the continuous struggle to end SGBV.

Interlinkages between Menstrual Discrimination, SRHR, and SGBV

GSCDM adopts a holistic approach, Dignified Menstruation, to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), recognizing the lived experiences of menstruators across diverse gender identities, including their vulnerabilities and obstacles to their rights, accessing services, and living in dignity. It also critically addresses the implicit unequal power dynamics exercised by patriarchal systems through discriminatory menstrual and harmful social norms. GSCDM views menstrual discrimination—both visible and invisible—as a fundamental barrier to fully exercising SRHR, systemically and symptomatically.

Dignified Menstruation is a holistic framework for decision-making across all elements of SRHR. Although menstruation is inherently tied to every aspect of SRHR as seen in 9 of the 15 elements of SDGs, it remains largely overlooked and neglected as discussions surrounding reproductive health or menstrual management often fail to expose the full scope of menstrual discrimination and its impact. Even Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) has not adequately recognized the urgency of addressing menstrual dignity.

GSCDM is committed to shaping the current global narrative to address the root of menstruation discrimination and recognize its influence in shaping and reinforcing gender norms. This reframe is essential to advancing SRHR, including the prevention of SGBV. Moreover, GSCDM emphasizes the critical role of non-menstruators as allies and advocates for the dignity of menstruators in all their diversity, ensuring inclusive, effective SRHR for all.

Conference Background and Agenda

Since 2019, the Global South Coalition for Dignified Menstruation (GSCDM) has been observing December 8th with annual themes that underscore the critical connection between dignified menstruation, sexual and reproductive health and rights for all, and various human rights issues. Each year’s theme reflects the coalition's commitment to ending and preventing sexual and gender-based violence, advancing SRHR, and promoting human rights:

• 2019: Dignified Menstruation as a Prevention of Gender-Based Violence and Promotion of Human Rights.
• 2020: Menstrual Talk, Dignity First.
• 2021: Dignified Menopause as a Human Right, Not a Privilege.
• 2022: Dignified Menstruation for Ending Child Marriage.
• 2023: Dignified Menstruation for Ending Sexual Violence and Child Marriage.

Every year, the GSCDM commemorates the International Day of Dignified Menstruation through its global network of general members and chapters. This year marks the 6th anniversary of the event, observed under the theme "Upholding Dignified Menstruation: Fundamental for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR)."

This conference will be a one day hybrid event, held at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in Boston, USA, under the leadership of the North American Chapter of GSCDM: Dignified Menstruation INC and in partnership with MenEngage Global Alliance.