On October 24, 2024, HerFlow Foundation’s Period Awareness Day marked a significant milestone in its ongoing campaign to eradicate the stigma and shame surrounding menstruation. This year, the theme “Period is Everywhere” resonated loudly across the University of the West Indies (UWI) and the University of Technology (UTech), where approximately 200 volunteers participated in a vibrant flashmob to raise awareness about menstrual health.
The flashmob was a powerful visual demonstration that captured the attention of students and passersby, symbolizing the campaign’s call for openness and acceptance around periods. The volunteers, who performed choreographed dances and handed out educational materials, made a bold statement: “Wherever women occupy, periods are there too.” This slogan emphasized that menstruation is a natural and universal part of life, and should not be shamed or hidden.
In addition to the flashmob, the HerFlow team distributed 1000 period care packages across both campuses, offering students free menstrual products, educational resources, and support on menstrual health. The goal was to directly address the issue of period poverty while providing girls and young women with the tools they need to manage their menstrual health with dignity and ease.
Founded in 2016, Period Awareness Day was established by HerFlow Foundation with the goal of destigmatizing menstruation and empowering women to speak openly about their periods. Over the years, the day has become a focal point for advocacy and education around menstrual health, reaching thousands of students, young women, and community members.
Shelly-Ann Weeks, Founder and Executive Director of HerFlow Foundation, shared, “This year’s theme, ‘Period is Everywhere,’ highlights the undeniable fact that menstruation affects every woman, everywhere. Through initiatives like the flashmob at UWI and UTech, we aim to create a safe space for women and girls to talk about their periods, access necessary resources, and most importantly, break free from the shame and silence that so often surround menstruation.”
Period Awareness Day 2024 was not only an educational event but also a call to action. HerFlow Foundation continues to work tirelessly to eliminate period poverty, educate the public, and create a more supportive and inclusive environment for women to manage their menstrual health with confidence.
