Managing your period with dignity
Why menstrual health matters, and what girls and women need to manage their periods well.
✓ Clinically reviewed · Catherine, RN & Juah, RN
When should I get help?
- If you have no safe way to manage your period, talk to a trusted adult, teacher or health worker.
- If your periods are very painful or very heavy, see a health worker.
Key things to remember
- Periods are natural and nothing to be ashamed of.
- Girls need support, knowledge, facilities and period products.
- No girl should have to miss school because of her period.
📖 Read the full lesson
About 1.8 billion people around the world have a period every month. Periods are natural, but many girls and women cannot manage them in a healthy and dignified way.
Stigma, teasing, cultural taboos, poverty, and a lack of toilets, water and period products can make periods hard. This can cause stress and worry, and can stop girls from going to school or taking part in community life.
UNICEF says four things help: support from the people around you, knowledge and skills about periods, safe toilets and washing facilities, and access to pads or other absorbent materials.
There is nothing shameful about having a period. Talking openly helps girls feel confident and safe.
📚 Sources
- UNICEF — Menstrual hygiene Undated page · accessed 1 Nov 2026
Written in plain language from these sources. It does not imply endorsement by these organizations.
HH-ART-016 · Version 1.0 · Last updated 4 Nov 2026
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