World Menstrual Hygiene Day 2025: Menstruation, experienced by billions of individuals worldwide, yet misconceptions, stigma, and inadequate access to menstrual hygiene persist. World Menstrual Hygiene Day, observed on May 28, is dedicated to raising awareness about menstrual health and hygiene, advocating for policy changes, and ensuring that menstruation does not become a barrier to education, health, and human dignity.
Theme of the Day: "Together for a #PeriodFriendlyWorld"
The theme for World Menstrual Hygiene Day 2025—"Together for a #PeriodFriendlyWorld"—calls for collective action in erasing stigma, improving access to menstrual health resources, and fostering open conversations about menstruation. A #PeriodFriendlyWorld is one where no one feels ashamed or held back by their period, where schools and workplaces provide free sanitary products, and where policies ensure menstrual health is prioritized.
This theme emphasizes that menstruation is not just a personal experience but a societal issue that demands systemic change. Governments, NGOs, activists, and individuals must work together to break barriers, normalize period talk, and ensure that menstrual health is recognized as a basic human right.
In 2025, the theme “Together for a #PeriodFriendlyWorld” underscores the importance of collective action in breaking taboos, improving access to menstrual products, and fostering menstrual health education. This day is not just about hygiene—it is about ensuring equity, inclusivity, and empowerment in menstrual health for everyone who menstruates.
History of Menstrual Hygiene Day
The idea of Menstrual Hygiene Day was spearheaded by WASH United, a non-governmental organization based in Germany, in 2013. The initiative began as an awareness campaign on social media, gathering global momentum. Recognizing the urgent need to address menstrual hygiene issues, the first official celebration took place on May 28, 2014.
The choice of May 28 is symbolic:
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May (5th month) represents the average five-day menstrual cycle.
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28 signifies the average number of days in a menstrual cycle.
Since its inception, Menstrual Hygiene Day has evolved into a global movement, supported by governments, NGOs, activists, healthcare providers, and corporations that champion menstrual health. The day has been instrumental in reducing stigma, normalizing conversations, and enhancing access to menstrual products and sanitation facilities.
Significance of Menstrual Hygiene Day
Menstrual Hygiene Day serves as an important occasion to:
1. Normalize Conversations Around Menstruation
Despite progress, many societies still view menstruation as taboo or shameful, leading to silence, misinformation, and cultural restrictions on those who menstruate. By encouraging open discussions, this day helps dismantle harmful stereotypes and empowers individuals to seek proper menstrual care.
2. Promote Menstrual Health Education
Lack of proper knowledge about menstruation can lead to health complications, social exclusion, and lost educational opportunities. Schools, workplaces, and communities use this day to educate individuals about menstrual hygiene, reproductive health, and the importance of using safe menstrual products.
3. Advocate for Access to Affordable Menstrual Products
Many people struggle to access affordable, high-quality sanitary products, leading to the use of unsafe alternatives. Advocacy on Menstrual Hygiene Day pushes for:
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Elimination of tampon/pad taxes (often called ‘pink tax’).
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Government-funded menstrual programs.
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Free menstrual products in schools, workplaces, and public spaces.
4. Improve Sanitation and Disposal Infrastructure
Menstrual hygiene isn’t just about products—it’s about safe disposal, access to clean toilets, and adequate water supply. This day emphasizes the need for better infrastructure to ensure proper sanitation and disposal methods.
5. Empower Individuals to Manage Their Periods with Dignity
A #PeriodFriendlyWorld ensures that menstruation does not prevent individuals from attending school, working, or engaging in social activities. By fighting stigma and promoting menstrual equity, this movement seeks to empower individuals to manage their periods safely and confidently.
Ways to Celebrate and Contribute
Menstrual Hygiene Day is commemorated globally through various activities, including:
1. Educational Campaigns
Organizations host workshops, seminars, and discussions on menstrual health, targeting schools, workplaces, and community groups.
2. Social Media Awareness
Advocates, influencers, and everyday people share stories, facts, and campaigns using hashtags like #PeriodFriendlyWorld, #MHDay2025, and #EndPeriodPoverty to drive awareness.
3. Community Drives & Product Donations
NGOs and activists distribute free sanitary pads, tampons, and menstrual cups to underserved communities, ensuring equitable access to menstrual products.
4. Policy Advocacy
Governments and health organizations push for policies that improve menstrual hygiene education and access. Advocacy efforts focus on:
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Incorporating menstrual health education in school curricula.
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Removing taxation on menstrual products.
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Expanding access to free sanitary products in public spaces.
5. Artistic & Storytelling Initiatives
Films, poems, exhibitions, and personal narratives highlight menstrual experiences, empowering menstruators to share their journeys and break the silence.
How to Maintain Proper Menstrual Hygiene
Menstrual hygiene is more than just using sanitary products—it’s about overall health and well-being. Here’s how you can ensure proper care during your cycle:
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Choose Safe Menstrual Products: Sanitary pads, tampons, menstrual cups, and reusable cloth pads are options based on comfort and accessibility.
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Change Products Regularly: Pads should be replaced every 4-6 hours, while menstrual cups should be emptied, washed, and sanitized as needed.
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Wash Regularly: Use mild soap and clean water to maintain vaginal hygiene and prevent infections.
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Wear Clean, Breathable Undergarments: Damp or dirty underwear can lead to infections, so ensure freshness and comfort.
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Dispose of Menstrual Waste Properly: Used pads and tampons should be wrapped and discarded in designated bins.
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Track Your Cycle: Apps or calendars help monitor menstruation, spotting irregularities and understanding bodily changes better.
Major Considerations in Menstrual Health
Despite growing awareness, several challenges remain:
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Limited Access to Menstrual Products: Many menstruators cannot afford sanitary products, forcing them to use unsafe alternatives.
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Stigma and Taboos: Cultural beliefs often lead to restrictions on mobility, diet, and participation in daily activities.
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Inadequate Sanitation Facilities: Schools and workplaces frequently lack clean toilets, water supply, and proper disposal mechanisms.
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Health Risks: Urinary tract infections (UTIs), yeast infections, and other complications can arise due to poor menstrual hygiene.
Why is Menstrual Hygiene Day Celebrated?
This day is more than just awareness—it’s about demanding change. A truly #PeriodFriendlyWorld ensures that menstruation is recognized, respected, and accommodated in every space—from schools and workplaces to communities and policies.
Menstrual Hygiene Day aims to eliminate period poverty, improve education, and create a world where menstruation is accepted without stigma or shame.
Menstrual Hygiene Day is celebrated to normalize menstruation and advocate for equal access to menstrual health resources. It aims to create a world where menstruation is not a barrier to education, employment, or dignity. By fostering awareness and policy changes, this day contributes to a future where menstrual health is recognized as a basic human right. Through collaboration, awareness, and policy reforms, we can create a #PeriodFriendlyWorld where everyone has access to the menstrual health resources they need, free from stigma or barriers.
