Maybe you’ve never heard of the term free bleeding or perhaps all you know about it is how Kiran Gandhi ran the 2015 London Marathon while free bleeding. For those unaccustomed, free bleeding is the act of forgoing sanitary products while menstruating. That means instead of using a pad, tampon, or menstrual cup to […]
Beat Period Cramps Without Pills
As a menstruator for over 7 years, and having dealt with period cramps through each cycle, I am a pro when it comes to concoctions and age old remedies that will guarantee a smooth ride through turbulent weather. 1. Turn up the heat If you didn’t already know, heating pads are a boon! Topically […]
No, Not All Women Bleed and Some Men Do. Let’s Talk About That.
CW: Body Dysphoria In January 2018, Pink Parcel, a UK-based period subscription box, revealed a new fashion line to fight period shame. Bringing together designers, activists, influencers, and fashion editors, they introduced their “I’M ON” campaign – fronted by trans model Kenny Jones. During his FTM transition, Jones claims he had to “deal with experiencing […]
The Perfect PMS Playlist
Your period can sometimes be an excruciatingly painful, and tiring event, that comes knocking at your door every month. What’s worse is that along with the cramps and the bleeding, comes the bloating, PMS, and those endless cravings. Music makes (almost) everything better, and here’s just the playlist you need to remind you that you […]
The Science Behind PMS (And Why You’re Not Just “Cr*zy”)
CW: Mental Health Slurs A woman asserts herself and fights for her rights. “Bro, she must be on her period,” the misogynists laugh. “No, man, she’s just PMSing!” For decades now, women have been called mental health slurs for being too assertive or commanding, while men have been praised for the same behaviour. Words like […]
Your Business and Period Poverty – Here’s How CSR Can Help Achieve Gender Equality
At GiveHer5, we’ve been incredibly lucky to partner with companies and organisations that share our values and want to contribute to a more equitable society through corporate social responsibility. Our partners have proven to us that corporate action does not have to be limited to environmental programs, but can be broadened to include period poverty […]
Urban India’s Role in Eradicating Period Poverty
When the idea for GiveHer5 first arose, it seemed quite obvious to us that period poverty was a critical issue with a simple solution. “Of course there would be people willing to help by donating,” we thought. We understood that there would be some challenges and stigma to overcome, but we always expected to receive […]
The Period Code – Finding Connection Through Menstruation
I think I finally understood the secret order of friendship between women (similar to The Bro Code, just less toxic and more accepting) when I fully memorised the communal rules of menstruation. Now, they’re ingrained in my mind and I follow them without question. This is the Period Code for those of you who are […]
Period Pains – Why Have Women’s Concerns Been Ignored?
You feel a surging pain in your body and fall to the floor. Your vision goes blurry and the next thing you remember is an ambulance siren. You’re rushed to the emergency room, where a nurse asks you how much pain you feel on a scale of one to ten. Unable to speak, you raise […]
The Evolution of Periods – How Has the Conversation About Periods Changed?
In the 1960s in Chettupuzha, a small village in rural Kerala, my grandmother gets her first period. She was informed by her mother that she would find spots of blood on her saree (underwear was not as common as it is today) so she is not taken aback completely – though there is not much […]