This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost Australia, which closed in 2021.

Majority Of Women Adapt Their Lifestyle To Avoid Period Dramas

More than 1 billion women around the world do not have access to a toilet during their periods.

International development organisation WaterAid launched its #perioddrama campaign on Thursday with a witty video that marks Menstrual Hygiene Day on May 28 and raises awareness of the awkwardness women still face when menstruating.

With classical music, fancy frocks and an array of shocked and bemused expressions, the video takes a light-hearted look at the century-old unfortunate situations women find themselves in when on their period.

But there is a serious side to the bonnets and buckles of this particular clip.

Of a survey of over a thousand women, three quarters said they regularly fear a drama, such as blood leaking onto clothes, when on their period. 42 percent of women said they had expressed shyness when having to hide sanitary products on the way to the work toilet.

Currently there are more than 1 billion women around the world who do not have access to a toilet when on their period and over forty percent of those surveyed said not knowing where the next available toilet would be is a frequent issue when travelling.

Paul Nichols, Chief Executive of WaterAid Australia, said: "We need to talk openly about this issue and remove the silence and stigma that surround periods otherwise it will be much more difficult for women and girls to call for change,

"Every woman and girl should have access to facilities to manage her menstruation in a hygienic way, wherever she is, in privacy, safety and with dignity."

Close
This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost Australia. Certain site features have been disabled. If you have questions or concerns, please check our FAQ or contact support@huffpost.com.